Hot Stuff – Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes of Hot Stuff, my 2010 latex shoot and homage to the blaxploitation films of the 70s.

Getting the look took several layers of body make-up and hours of hair crimping (no, the afro is not a wig!). Watch make-up artist Catherine Lavoie at work on my transformation, hear Martin, Catherine and me talk about the idea behind the shoot, then see me in black Polymorphe latex hot pants, an ultra-tight cincher and fishnets.

MORE CONTEXT ABOUT THIS SHOOT

This shoot was our homage to the blaxploitation films of the 70s and to the bold, stunning women who starred in them. That genre often crossed paths with sexploitation, which is much closer to my own world, so I brought the two together. It was also a nod to the wonderful Black icons that had a huge impact in our culture. It was made with love, and with the utmost respect.

Some people have called this shoot "blackface". It is not. Historically, blackface meant white performers darkening their faces to play Black characters, most often to mock and ridicule Black people. Everyone has every right to be against blackface, and so am I, just as I'm against prejudice and against shaming anyone for their skin color or for any other reason.

I'm a white erotic model, and transformation is part of my work and challenge. I change my hair all the time, and the make-up, the wardrobe and the mood of every shoot are chosen with care to serve its direction. This one was made in 2010 with intention, out of love and respect for a very specific moment in film and music history.

Seen for two seconds and out of context on social media, one of these images can lead to the wrong conclusion. Before judging, I only ask that you take a moment to look into why it was made; this video is a good place to start. Blackface is wrong and deserves to be denounced. This shoot is not blackface, and I stand by that.