Dutch model Karen Mulder was at the peak of her fame in the 1990s. She collaborated with the largest fashion houses such as Versace, Dior and Chanel, appeared on magazine covers, was the star of fashion shows and one of the first “angels” of Victoria’s Secret. In 2001, a year after her fashion career ended, Mulder spoke publicly about the sexual abuse she had suffered repeatedly at the hands of powerful men. Even her closest family did not believe her words.
Karen Mulder spoke years ago about what happened to her in the fashion industry
In 2001, the media wrote about an interview that Karen Mulder gave in the French program “Tout le monde en parle”. In front of an audience gathered in a television studio the model spoke about the years of sexual abuse she suffered and numerous abuses in the fashion industry. She named her perpetrators as, among others: policemen, politicians, members of the fashion agency she worked with, and even Prince Albert of Monaco. The interview never saw the light of day, but soon Mulder began repeating her story in other media.
In November 2001, “Le Parisien” reported that Mulder had filed a rape complaint at the police station before her visit to the French program. As reported, the prosecutor’s office was to “investigate the case.” However, her relatives did not believe the model’s words. Karen Mulder was placed by her family in a psychiatric hospital, where she spent several months. Her father, Ben Mulder, claimed in the Daily Express that his daughter was in a “poor mental state”, which he blamed on drug addiction.
As reported by “Hello Magazine”, The model’s hospital stay was to be paid for by the head of the Elite modeling agency, Gerald Marie, whom Mulder also publicly accused of sexual abuse. Nearly two decades later, in 2021, Marie was accused by more than a dozen other women of sexual misconduct he allegedly committed in the 1980s and 1990s.
The tragic story of Karen Mulder returns after many years
When Karen Mulder spoke publicly about her tragic experiences, few people believed her words. Her relatives also downplayed the model’s confessions. Today, her story is remembered due to subsequent reports coming to light in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein case. Karen Mulder, however, believed that her public confessions would change the fate of both her and other women. – When you publish this article, it will be the beginning of the end of my suffering. I want justice, that’s all, she said in the French magazine “VSD”.
Need help?
Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual contact. According to UNICEF data, approximately 15 million teenagers between 15 and 19 years of age have experienced this type of violence around the world, but only 1 percent of teenagers seek help from a professional. Research shows that 80 percent Rape victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you are a victim of sexual violence, you can get help by calling, for example, the “Niebieska Linia” Telephone Clinic – 22 668 70 00 (7 days a week, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.) or the 24-hour emergency hotline of the Women’s Rights Center – 600 070 717.
If you need to talk to a psychologist, you can contact the 24-hour Support Center by calling 800 70 2222. ITAKA Foundation psychologists are available by phone, e-mail and chat, providing advice and directing callers to the appropriate support facility in their region. Relatives of people who require help can also contact the Center. Specialists will advise you on what to do to encourage your loved one to contact a specialist.
