Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NSFW: Models Go Topless On NYC Courthouse Steps For Freedom Or Something
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 24, 2015
Modified Jul 24, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
View all 7
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 24, 2015
Modified Jul 24, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Photographer Allen Henson caused a bit of a scene outside the New York Supreme Court on Centre Street yesterday afternoon when he showed up accompanied by five models who proceeded to remove their tops and then pose for photos on the courthouse steps. In an interview last night, Henson deemed both his self-created circus and his legal troubles "completely fucking ludicrous—it was awesome."
Henson, as you may recall, photographs models—usually topless and always beautiful—out in public, at restaurants, with NYPD officers, and atop the Empire State Building. Earlier this month, the landmark skyscraper's attorney sought to have Henson barred from the building, after Henson posted on Facebook, "CASTING: looking for a model who isn't afraid of heights in NYC," accompanied by one of his Empire State Building photos.
The Empire State Building is suing Henson for $1.1 million and claims his photographs are putting its reputation as a "safe and secure family and tourist attraction" at risk. Henson countersued, and he told us, "It's embarrassing for America... They are saying breasts have made their building unsafe?!"
"Censorship is important to me, it's upsetting to me," Henson said. "I did two tours in Iraq and I live and breathe America. We should be able to do these things and not worry about these frivolous lawsuits." It is legal for women to expose their breasts in public in New York state, though the NYPD sometimes needs a reminder. The Empire State Building, of course, is private property, and they have their own rules.
Henson's hearing was actually postponed until August 4, but he went to the court, models in tow, anyway. The Daily News reports, "In the lobby, a leggy blonde in his group started undressing and was quickly admonished by security, along with Henson, who was taking unauthorized video and photos." One bystander reportedly sneered, "That’s an insult to the court."
Henson said that a court officer or security guard asked him for his phone and told him, "I need to see your phone, I need you to delete these." He refused, telling her that she could subpoena the phone, but "the photos are my property." He claims the guard then noticed other photographers around and asked who they were, and when he explained they were photographers from newspapers like the Post, "[The guard] changed her attitude and said she had to called her supervisor." Henson said her reversal upon realizing there were reporters present "blew me away."
Henson, who just completed a book of his photographs, shrugs off insinuations that he brought the models to the courthouse for publicity, and suggests that it's the Empire State Building that's seeking publicity. "I went to 1 World Trade Center, it's a beautiful and breathtaking," Henson said. "I have a feeling the Empire State Building is feeling the pinch. They're not the biggest building in town anymore."
As for the Empire State Building's attempt to ban him from the building, he said he doesn't even use the same model twice, let alone shoot the same building. "I've moved on," Henson declared. "It doesn't seem like they have."
Tagged
allen henson
court
empire state buliding
lawsuit
NSFW
topless
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Facing drought and sea level rise, authority looks at expanding major NY reservoir
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:16 p.m. ET
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
Residents say several people living there are members of vulnerable populations.
By
Catalina Gonella
News
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
Residents say several people living there are members of vulnerable populations.
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
NYC’s autumn foliage will be a fall feast this year
By
Rosemary Misdary
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .