The self-described feminist’s porn site is facing allegations from the models that its male owner is sexist and does not pay a decent wage.
SuicideGirls has made a name for itself as a site for women to feel empowered by their bodies. Models keep a public journal on the site, which is where one model, Dia, allegedly made accusations that co-owner Sean Suhl treated the models poorly.
Suhl said the allegations were not serious.
“There was a dispute between myself and Dia,” Suhl explained. “Dia and some of her friends have decided to move on. We wish all the girls the best in whatever it is they decide to do and will miss them all a lot.”
Dia, who was not available for an interview, has become the figurehead for the mass exodus since she left two years ago. Dia blasted the SuicideGirls site, claiming its female co-owners were merely “front-women.” Dia was even more critical of Suhl himself.
“SuicideGirls is run by a man who is not progressive in his views on women,” she said. “I'm being kind. I and others who have known him feel this way.”
Dia’s comments come from just one of several blogs the ex-models have started up against SuicideGirls.
Missy, one of the female co-founders, called the accusations “unfounded.”
"[They are] are a little upsetting," she said.
Employment issues aren’t the only controversy to hit SuicideGirls lately. The site also recently responded to pressures surrounding the FBI’s new focus on pornography, which SuicideGirls staff member Olivia said prompted the removal of several photosets and individual photos.
“I apologize heartily for having to do this, both to the SuicideGirls whose art is being fucked over and the members who are being treated like babies, but we really don't want to get shut down and sent to jail,” she said. “As soon as legally possible, the photosets and pictures will come back. Until then, bid a fond farewell to your favorite blood-bathing beauties, rope-bound babes, and handcuffed honeys. Apparently they've no place in today's society.”
Currently an estimated 75,000 photos featuring 800 different models are available on SuicideGirls.
