Allen Henson, a photographer who’s made a name for himself in part by taking pictures of topless women around New York City, found out this week he’s being sued for $1.1 million by the company that owns the Empire State Building. Henson photographed model Shelby Carter atop the iconic building in August, an act the Empire State Real Estate Trust alleges “damage to its business and reputation as a safe and secure family friendly tourist attraction.”
See the photos — which contain boobs, obviously — in the gallery.
The photog seems unfazed. “I’m not really taking it all that seriously, to be honest,” he told ANIMAL. “When you read the lawsuit, the language is pretty amateur. It doesn’t seem like this is a legitimate situation.”
Being topless in New York, of course, is perfectly legal.
The Empire State Building hasn’t officially served Henson with a suit yet — he heard about it when the New York Post came calling yesterday. When the time comes, he plans to appear in court with a “large platoon” of 50 topless women.
I need a large platoon; about 50 topless girls to accompany me to the NY Supreme Court. Send info to allen@allenhenson.com
— Allen Henson (@AllenHenson) January 14, 2014
“Absolutely,” Henson said when we asked if he’s being sincere. “If people want to be ridiculous, I love it. I’m ridiculous. We’re going to have some fun with it. I like having fun. I like being entertained. And if people want to be absurd, I’m all about it. Let’s do this.”
If you’d like to participate, feel free to contact the photographer here. He says he’s already received “a bunch” of emails.
