German photographer Ellen von Unwerth is facing ostracism from New York City’s party scene after creating promotional images for Melania Trump’s documentary, highlighting the intersection of art, politics, and social standing in elite circles.
The controversy erupted when von Unwerth, known for her iconic shots of stars like Madonna and Janet Jackson, was hired to photograph first lady Melania Trump for the Amazon-funded documentary ‘Melania.’ Her involvement has sparked immediate backlash, with several NYC event planners and socialites expressing outrage over her association with the Trump administration.
According to a Page Six exclusive, seven party planners have removed von Unwerth from their invitation lists, with one insider bluntly stating, ‘Oh f–k this bitch. Off my invite list!!’ Another lamented, ‘Very disappointed she’s supporting this administration.’ The photographer, a regular at high-profile fashion bashes, is now considered ‘snapper non grata’ in certain social sets.
The backlash extends beyond private circles to public platforms. Social media influencer Louis Pisano criticized von Unwerth on Instagram, questioning, ‘Who would be thirsty enough to position themself with this fascist administration?’ Madonna, whom von Unwerth has photographed, reposted Pisano’s critique, amplifying the disapproval. Additionally, socialite Peter Davis penned a think piece for Avenue Magazine debating whether she should be canceled over the gig.
Von Unwerth’s connection to Melania Trump dates back to the 1990s when they collaborated on a Camel cigarettes advertisement. Marc Beckman, Trump’s agent, highlighted this history in a Fox News interview, noting that von Unwerth’s involvement was intended to surprise the fashion industry. The documentary, which premiered at the White House and Kennedy Center, has been a subject of controversy, with posters being vandalized in some cities.
The photographer attended multiple screenings, including one at the White House with President Trump, Barron Trump, Queen Rania of Jordan, and Apple CEO Tim Cook, and another at the Kennedy Center with figures like Nicki Minaj and producer Brett Ratner. Her presence at these events has further fueled the perception of alignment with the Trump circle, alienating some in the liberal-leaning NYC arts community.
This incident underscores the heightened polarization in contemporary culture, where artistic collaborations are increasingly scrutinized through political lenses. For von Unwerth, whose career spans decades with work in Vogue and Vanity Fair, the fallout may impact her standing in the fashion and entertainment industries, though she has not publicly commented on the backlash.
Moving forward, the situation raises questions about the boundaries between art and politics, and whether professionals in creative fields can navigate partisan divides without facing social repercussions. As the documentary continues its release, the discourse around von Unwerth’s choices is likely to persist, reflecting broader societal tensions.
