Model Mayhem
Reviews and Complaints

If you're thinking about signing up for ModelMayhem, don't expect much in terms of customer service or appreciation. Whether you choose to pay for the VIP membership or go for the free basic option, you'll likely be frustrated by the site's moderators.

These moderators seem to have clear favorites among their friends and colleagues, and they often make unfair judgment calls when it comes to censorship. This can greatly impact the exposure of your photographs on the platform, which is a shame considering the site's long-standing history and potential.

It's clear that the moderators could do a better job of approaching their positions from a place of wanting to contribute to the art form and its participants. Instead, they seem to be motivated by greed and favoritism, which is disappointing.

If a better option arises, I'll gladly switch to it. But for now, be warned of ModelMayhem's malicious moderators. They're true bullies, and I've never seen a business treat its customers so poorly. It's absolutely ridiculous.

I've had some experience with ModelMayhem and I have to say, it's been a mixed bag. On the one hand, I've been lucky so far - I've found some great photographers to work with and have had some really positive experiences. But on the other hand, I've also had some pretty negative experiences that have left me feeling pretty disillusioned with the site.

One experience in particular stands out to me. I agreed to do a TFP shoot with a photographer who seemed professional and trustworthy. We had a good shoot and I was happy with the results. But then, when I asked for my photos back, he refused to give them to me. I tried to contact him multiple times, but he never responded. I was pretty upset about this, so I decided to report him to the site moderators.

To my surprise, the moderators removed my report and didn't allow me to share my experience with other models on the site. I was really disappointed by this - it felt like the site was more interested in protecting its own reputation than in protecting its users. It also made me wonder how many other models had had similar experiences but weren't able to share them.

To make matters worse, I also did some X-rated personal photos for this photographer, and he never gave me any of the photos - not even the clothed ones. I was pretty naive to trust him in the first place, but I never expected him to be so unprofessional and untrustworthy.

Overall, I don't think I'll be using ModelMayhem again. I just don't feel safe or supported on the site, and I don't trust the moderators to protect me or other models from bad experiences. There are plenty of other sites out there that are more open and safe, like Instagram and other social media platforms. I would definitely recommend using those instead.

If you do decide to use ModelMayhem, just be careful and make sure you're working with someone you trust. And if you do have a bad experience, don't be afraid to speak up - even if the moderators don't want to hear it. Stay safe out there, models and photographers!

I recently checked out ModelMayhem (modelmayhem.com) and I gotta say, it's not looking good. It seems like the admins are more interested in kicking people off the site than actually promoting modeling or photography.

One of the biggest issues I've seen is their vague rules on image content. Users are left in the dark about what images are acceptable and if they guess wrong, they're permanently removed without any communication from the admins. It's a real shame.

I decided to join the site myself to see if things were really as bad as people were saying. And let me tell you, it's even worse than I thought. I didn't post any images that could have violated any rules, but I did post a comment in a thread on the "Site Related Forum" about being confused by the 18+ image rejection.

I suggested that MM should either have clear rules or stop removing people for "violating" rules that are so vague that people have to guess what they mean. I was respectful and diplomatic in my post, but I knew I was taking a risk by speaking out. Three other users who had posted critical comments in the same thread had mysteriously disappeared.

And sure enough, within 24 hours of posting my comment, I got the dreaded email informing me that I had been removed from the site. It's pretty clear that these admins have no respect for their user community. It's like they're running the site like Saddam Hussein or Bashar Al Assad.

Honestly, I think the site needs to be taken down. It's not doing anyone any favors and it's just causing a lot of frustration and disappointment.

ModelMayhem is a website that is not worth your time. The people who run it, Brian Diaz, Dean Johnson, and the IB (Internet Blunders), have no talent and are known to tell major lies. One of the biggest lies they tell is about the number of "ACTIVE MEMBERS" on the site. They claim there are over 1 million active members, but that is a complete lie. In reality, less than 20,000 members are active on the site, and over 900,000 have left. The IB should be honest with its members and advertisers about the actual number of active members.

The website is poorly run, and the IB cannot release new features without destroying old ones. It takes the crack tech team weeks or even months to correct their mistakes, and they often don't even own up to them. The IB has owned MM for some time now, but they still can't release a new feature without slowing down or destroying the site's functionality. It's impossible to surf MM because the crack dumb cluck team, run by Brandi, has no idea how to run a simple website. Brandi's main goal in life seems to be lying. If you thought Trump was a massive liar, Brandi, Dean Johnson, and Brian Diaz make him look like Nixon.

In conclusion, it's best to avoid this website and save your money. Instead, use Facebook or other social media platforms. MM is not worth your time or energy.

I'm a professional photographer from New York, and I specialize in commercial, fashion, and glamour photography. I'm pretty well-known in my city, and I work with a lot of agencies as their go-to photographer. I've even produced a popular 4-hour DVD on photography teachings that was distributed by the Kelby Training Institute.

Recently, I've been thinking about expanding my studio to Dallas and Los Angeles. A lot of my clients suggested that I join Model Mayhem, as it would give me access to a large database of potential clients as I expand my global presence.

So, I registered for a VIP account and paid the $100 yearly fee. I uploaded about two dozen of my images from various shoots, and I was feeling pretty good about it. But then, I got an email saying that my account had been closed and that I was banned from the site.

Several other photographers who work as admins or mods on the site chimed in, saying that I wasn't who I said I was and that all of my work was stolen. They effectively said that none of it was mine.

I was pretty confused by this, as my credit card name matched my Model Mayhem account name. I tried to bring this up with their support team, but I haven't heard back from them in nearly three weeks.

I've now filed a dispute with my credit card company, as I feel like Model Mayhem has engaged in malpractice and poor business practices.

What's really ironic is that the admins who marked my work as stolen were from Los Angeles, Texas, and New York. It almost seems like they didn't want me getting into their territories and potentially stealing their clientele.

Overall, I'm pretty disappointed with my experience on Model Mayhem. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, as it seems like the site is full of competitive photographers who are more interested in keeping their own clients than helping others succeed.

I've been wanting to get into modeling for a long time now. I've been searching for the right agencies for quite some time, but I haven't had any luck. I don't have any experience in modeling, but I know that I have what it takes. However, I do have a bit of an attitude when it comes to rejection, especially when I feel like it isn't fair or I wasn't given a proper chance. That's how I feel about Model Mayhem.

I signed up for Model Mayhem today, and they said that it sometimes takes days for a reply after you submit your profile. However, they declined my profile on the same day that I signed up. I was completely honest about who I am and what I'm seeking, and I shared my dream of becoming a model. I'm not some ugly girl with big dreams. I know that I have what it takes to model. I'm the right height, I'm in shape, and I have the motivation. I won't let this company discourage me, especially when I saw a few members' profiles who didn't even look like models. I don't need to have experience to be able to tell that much.

I posted my best photos, and while they weren't professional photos, they were mine. They probably didn't like them because they didn't fit their requirements. They called them selfies, which was disrespectful because they were good photos of my full body and face. Not to mention, I found out online that Model Mayhem is no different than SexyJobs.com, but just stricter. While people have gone missing or raped, maybe it's a good thing that they declined me.

However, I won't let this site stop me from achieving my goals. Everywhere I go, people ask me if I'm a model. I'm always mistaken for a model, so I see that this site isn't the best fit for me. I'll keep searching for the right agency that will give me a fair chance and appreciate my potential.

Model Mayhem, despite its name, is a website that connects models and photographers. At first glance, it seems like a fun and casual place to be, but if you dig deeper, you'll find that it's more like a miniature North Korea. I know someone who has insider information, and after a few drinks, I learned some disturbing truths about this site.

The moderators and admins on this site create FBI-style dossiers on users, but they don't disclose this information to anyone. The admin, Dean Johnson, is known for being rude and disrespectful to his peers, and he hides in Minneapolis. The admins and moderators remain anonymous and use a black logo that looks like the ISIS terror banner to communicate their messages of death.

The moderators often rely on outside gossip from scandal sites to target photographers. They note photos that they don't like, and if a user gets three strikes, they're out. Some of the site rules are unknown, and one user was banned for uploading four public domain photos of animals. The moderators treated this as if the user had stolen someone's copyrighted pictures.

Once someone accumulates enough demerits, they're banned without warning. Their portfolios, which took years of work and thousands of dollars to build, are erased with a single mouse click. There's no appeal process, and any complaints are met with insults.

The technical staff on this site searches through ISP data, metadata from pictures, and private messages to eliminate people on their enemies list. It's not a fun place to be.

In conclusion, Model Mayhem needs to be taken down and restarted from scratch. Until then, I would avoid it like the plague.

MM portfolio website is a massive modeling platform that has a global reach, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers. However, it is unfortunate that MM does not conduct background checks on its subscribers, which means that anyone can join, including those who claim to be photographers.

Many of the photographers on MM are not genuine professionals but rather sexual predators who prey on young and vulnerable aspiring models. These photographers offer monetary compensation for what they call "photo shoots," which usually take place in shady locations such as hotel rooms, old warehouses, or even their own homes. These pseudo-photographers are only interested in obtaining sexual pleasure by viewing women's bodies through the lens of a camera.

These young women are risking their lives for what they perceive as a chance to become the next "America's Top Model." Some of the MM photographers pretend to know the modeling business and claim to be affiliated with major magazine companies, promising to make these women famous.

Unfortunately, there have been several cases of young women disappearing after setting out to meet photographers they met on MM. Countless sexual, physical assaults, and rapes have also taken place, many of which have not been reported due to fear and embarrassment.

It is important to note that not all photographers on MM are sexual predators, and there are a handful of legitimate professionals on the platform. However, a great deal of them are nothing more than sexual predators, young and old, trying to exploit vulnerable women.

If you aspire to be a model, it is advisable to go to a reputable modeling agency. Please think twice before risking your reputation, safety, and life with these so-called photographers who are nothing short of sexual predators.

I was a member of ModelMayhem for a few years before they decided to kick me off the site. I was looking for models and I gave an idea of what I was looking for, including lingerie, implied, nude, and more adult. However, they assumed that since I posted more adult content, I was shooting porn for some site. But let me tell you, more adult is not code for porn. Maybe I should have put "playboy style" or "penthouse style," but that too could be misconstrued as me shooting porn. I had no intention of shooting porn or being affiliated with the porn industry. Before all this, I was posting regularly and not causing any problems.

When they first kicked me off, they said it was because of a photo I posted. The photo was of a model in a diaper and pigtails biting on a teething ring. It was cute, and she wasn't doing anything sexual. When I told them this, they quickly told me that it was because I was affiliated with lingerienights.tv and they had a couple of complaints about recruiting for porn. However, they couldn't give me any examples of this, and I have been out with lingerienights.tv in clubs shooting lingerie in crowded areas. The admins certainly didn't ban everyone on lingerienights friends list because I know a few people still on there that were friends with them. I quickly told them that also, and that is when they quoted my post. To me, this shows that they had nothing on me, and they interpreted my post as how they wanted to see it.

In the meantime, there are reports of models being lured by rapists, and one is even missing. Yet, the last individuals to deal with these models were photographers, and they still have profiles and actively using them. This bothers me so much because it's like high school all over again. They were bullies in high school, and when they grew up, they realized the real world wasn't going to put up with their bullying, so they became admins to continue their bully mentality.

If I had the ability to do so, I would create a similar site and change things up a bit. It's frustrating to see a site that could be so useful for photographers and models alike be run by people who don't seem to have the best interests of their users at heart. But until then, I'll have to find other ways to connect with models and continue my work.

My name is Robin Fox and I'm here to share my experience with ModelMayhem. As a Vamp of Trance Music and a photographer/photography assistant for the past 9 years, I was excited to join this site to connect with other models and photographers. However, my experience has been less than stellar.

Firstly, I must say that the moderators on this site are very picky when it comes to verifying female models or photographers. I have had my super secret profile removed without any warning. None of my sites are paid sites, and I recently started using social media to generate traffic and tips during the pandemic. I linked my ModelMayhem and other profiles to drive up my Google rating and get more work. However, the new system is slow and it's been difficult to verify my page. As a result, I lost all my contacts on the site and had to take down all my Facebook pages.

I must admit that I have "white hacked" ModelMayhem once. I posted a photo of my bear and added tags that I had "Kidnapped" Pie Bear. It was amusing and drove a lot of traffic to the site. However, my love for the site ends there. Today, I asked for assistance to upload photos and my site was removed. I received a letter from the moderator stating that I had been removed because I refused to take a selfie with a message on it that proves I am Robin Fox. This is ridiculous as I have so many sites that anyone can verify and hundreds of thousands of photos.

I get the feeling that ModelMayhem wants to sell me a package rather than give me a free site like other sites do. I am not under contract and currently unemployed. If you want to get frustrated and not find a model, join ModelMayhem. If I ever pay for a site, I'll make sure to get my money's worth.

I have had model mayhem for years now, have never upgraded to premium but never plan to due to how many scammers are on the website, how many unprofessional creepy guys are on it, and how there aren't a ton of legit paid photoshoots.

It is frustrating to navigate the website and add pictures, as you have to usually downsize the quality of your image because they can't add photos of high quality. Which is really weird in my opinion because most professional models have pictures from a camera that uses high quality images.

Also, images are automatically set to be "for mature audiences" so I constantly add images and forget about this and have to go back and uncheck this.. it's honestly a frustrating and garbage website in my opinion of using it for years. I do not think it's worth the money to subscribe for premium usage as they are not doing enough to get rid of the scammers and perverts on there.

Model Mayhem refuses to delete my account.

I have logged in to delete my photos, and the website will not allow me to login at all now. I have tried over 100 times.

I have been attempting to delete this account since 2018.

My profile is still showing up in Google search results.

No one can be reached at Model Mayhem via email or phone - ever.

To whom it may concern,

My name is Adeeb Howrani. This is in regards to canceling my subscription with a website I joined over 17 years ago (around 2005) and requested to have my account canceled in 2008, and was told it (as stated by the website policy rules at the time) it would take a few days to be canceled. Fast forward here to 2022, 14 years later, I find out they never canceled my account and it still pulls up in the search engines and I do not want it to affect my new job/career/employment. I spent the last 2 hours going through hundreds lines of text in their forums, the FAQ section and other sections of their website to find help to get my account cancelled. There is no phone number to reach anyone and their is no way to get into my account to go to the settings on my account to cancel the membership with out logging in and having the original email and password to do so... It's been so long I have neither nor can remember the original email I used for that account. Please read my dilemma which re-iterates this point.

Here is my account information

My Model Mayhem account number is #412848
Please see https://www.modelmayhem.com/412848 to see my photography profile on the website. Note you will see my last activity on the website was in 2007... over 14 years ago. I never returned after 2008 because I thought the account was canceled.

As Commercial Photographer I used Model Mayhem for 1-2 years, roughly from 2006 to 2008, and then I requested to cancel my account. The website at the time stated that it would take 7-10 days to do that. It is now 2022 and I received a note from my marketing director that My model mayhem account is still up, and that it is still pulling up in the major search engines and is posing a very negative branding and negative image problem with my new career job and profession. I have been advised by 2-3 public relations consultants and media marketing strategist to have my account canceled ASAP!

The problem is I only have my MM account number, #412848, and I can not log in because you must have the original email and password to do so. If you forget the password they have the standard "forgot password?" link but that only works if you have the original email (which I can not remember for the life of me... I think I used a totally different email than my standard 2 emails I have kept for years.) Apparently their system will not let me reset my password unless I have the original email I set up the account. It's been over 14 years since I used the account. I can not remember the original email I used, therefore, I can not have them send me a password reset so I can get into my account and go to the "settings" to cancel my account. It is absolutely IMPORTANT that I am able to cancel my account as soon as possible. My account and photos are still pulling up in the search engines and I do not want to be associated with Model Mayhem, the website or it's contents. Please help me remove this account as soon as possible, I am now working in a different profession and having and maintaining a good presence online is very important.

feel free to contact me via the following routes

Adeeb Howrani - [protected]
email: [protected]@gmail.com
Address: Adeeb Howrani 1278 Glenneyre Street #55 Laguna Beach California 92651

Hello,

I am Nova Delaube, my MM# 4253466, I have a VIP account but I cannot access it anymore even when I reset my password.
I also tried to contact the MM costumer service by email, but it does not go through either. I have apparently no way to communicate with Model Mayhem to let them know my trouble.

Please, help me to solve this problem.
Thank you,

Nova.

Model Mayhem claims to reject my application because it did not meet its minimum criteria. The fact is the moderators at MM have discriminated against me and others - the Mods there have their "friends" that get away with inappropriate photos in their contests or they reject photos that in their opinion dont meet their requirements, but a sausage show (showing genitals) is just fine if its one of their buddies.

Most artists I know are tired of Model Mayhem's antics and switching to Patreon or others.

I could not elevate my case to someone higher to a mod, because they dont give you such a forum, so if your Mod just happens to take a disliking to you, tough luck

I made this profile as an angsty teen in the days of MySpace. I need my profile deleted for professional reasons and while I got a response from a moderator saying it was deleted, it was not. When I log in I do not have access to delete my own personal information or photographs. This is going to affect my professional life and I am beyond upset.

Model Mayhem will cancel membership without notice or explanation. They offer no opportunity for discussion regarding why they choose to cancel your membership and offer details of the nature of.the problem.
Models and Photograher Beware. If you are already a member back up all contacts you have off line from Model Mayhem. As you will lose all contacts when they cancel your membership without notice.
Also be aware that Model.Mayhem has a F rating with the better business bureau

So after being a paying member of this site for over 10 years. Modelmayhem closed my account after trying to validate a question I posed in their forum. As I photographer I manage several new models and I helped them get their accounts started or start them for them. Evidentally this is a violation and they frown upon manager interaction. I log into my account from several different locations (one being my work but their servers are in Holland), my computer at home and my cell phone which can ping anywhere when I'm traveling. As my models may be with me or traveling. They may be in the another state or DONT have access the site all the time. When I got the answer that I thought I could live with. I mentally changed my way of how I needed to handle things with this site and the models that are under contract with me. The next day.. MY account and all of the models that have been on under any of my IP locations account were closed after they have either been on the site for over 3-4 years or recently approved. MY resolution for this is that ALL of the deleted accounts be restored.. A reduction of the 20+ plus moderators so that whatever moderator starts a conversation, that is the only one thats responding or reform of what a moderator's duties are/or and a refund of my premium membership

Models beware! This man is not a professional, he will try to force himself on you! He claims to have a studio but it's his gross apartment. He has no professional equipment and no actual credentials. He will try to touch you inappropriately. He is an old creepy guy using model mayhem to find 18 year old, inexperienced models to molest for free. Stay far away.

Astrid Photos

Aug 16 18 04:22 pm
Hi there,

I was wondering why my request to create a profile was denied and closed?

Thanks,
MM Admin
BrandiNettIB

Aug 16 18 04:48 pm
Hi there,

Your account was denied because you appear to have been previously removed from Model Mayhem.

Per our Site Rules and Terms of Use, previously removed members are not permitted to open or maintain any additional accounts.

Thanks,
~ Brandi

Astrid Photos

Aug 16 18 05:00 pm
Hi there,

I am still confused? I do not know how that is possible?

Thanks,

Astrid Photos

Aug 16 18 05:04 pm
Should I be filing for identity theft of sorts? Is there any advice you can give.. I do live in the same house with one photographer and one former model but its my understanding she hasn't done work in years, could this be related to one of them?

Advice would be appreciated much thanks!

MM Moderator
Island Escape

Aug 17 18 07:30 am
I have reviewed all your previous accounts and there is no Identity theft relating to this account or your other accounts that we previously closed.

Your account has been closed in accordance with our Terms of Use: https://www.modelmayhem.com/education/terms-of-use

However, per the Terms of Use and our policies, once a final decision has been made to close an account, we will not elaborate further on the reasons for the account closure or entertain requests for reinstatement. Further, per the Terms of Use, once a member account has been removed by Model Mayhem, the member is no longer eligible to open additional accounts.

Correspondence regarding your account closure should be sent to:

Internet Brands, Inc. Legal Department
909 N. Sepulveda Blvd., 11th FL
El Segundo, CA 90245

We regret that we are unable to address your questions or concerns.

Thank you.
MM Moderator
McGee

Aug 17 18 07:31 am
Hello

We're not seeing anything to indicate identity theft.

McGee

Astrid Photos

Aug 18 18 10:15 am
Well that is great news...

I am still confused on how this can be happening? I have already looked at competitive sites which I intend to join. But I am very alarmed as I have never had an account with you guys, I was also referred via roommate to this site.

Ill go ahead and reach out to the snail mail address you have provided if they do not have an email address in this day and age? I will also be reaching out to the BBB and whom ever else in-regards to the quick judgement and lack of investigation on your part.

Thanks for nothing,
MM Moderator
Island Escape

Aug 18 18 10:21 am
Your Welcome

Astrid Photos

Aug 18 18 09:57 pm
Yah... I feel completely and quite bothered that you folks are not as alarmed as I am. I feel like this might be identity theft at this point. And you guys are careless nor will give me the time of day to send my Id, etc to verify. How can you even conclude that this isn't identity theft? Also I will be keeping this email and sharing.. Ill be sure to list this conversation on BBB, consumer complaints etc. People should be terrified at your guy's lack of CARE in regards to IDENTITY THEFT.. That is criminal! Who do you think I am? I have NEVER opened an account with you people, yet you claim to already have had my information?

And I am seriously surprised you guys do not have a phone# or even an email address to go through for Internet Brands, Inc. Legal Department.