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NSFW: Topless Photographer Countersues Empire State Building For $5 Million
By
Ben Yakas
Published Mar 19, 2014
Modified Mar 19, 2014
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By
Ben Yakas
Published Mar 19, 2014
Modified Mar 19, 2014
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Photographer Allen Henson has built up quite a following for himself with his 'boobs-about-town' project—he's had photoshoots at restaurants, with policemen, on rooftop bars, and at the top of the Empire State Building. That last stunt led to him being sued for $1.1 million by the ESB. Now, a defiant Henson has countersued ESB for $5 million. "I'm hoping for a very fair judge," Henson told us. "I'm extremely confident in my attorney."
According to the original lawsuit (you can see both in full at the bottom of the page),
"[Henson] intentionally violated rules of the Observatory, intentionally engaged in unauthorized, objectionable, and inappropriate conduct in full view of ESB's customers, tenants, visitors, including families with children, and employees, and caused ESB to suffer economic losses and damage to its reputation."
Henson counters that ESB's reputation was already damaged way before he brought a semi-nude woman there: "[Henson] avers that the approximately 30 suicide attempts from the Observation Deck...are the cause of any damage to ESB's business and reputation as a "safe and secure family friendly tourist attraction."
The lawsuit has done nothing to snuff out Henson's love for topless photography—he was back at it at Grand Central last month. As he told us then: "Since the lawsuit happened, I'm significantly less worried. I'm a lot more informed as to what's legal and not, what's private and not. I'm way more confident about doing this now. What's the worst that can happen? Be sued for $2 million?"
As for his next project: "I will be doing Austin, Texas this weekend to test some more conservative mindsets. We'll see how that goes."
The ESB lawsuit against Henson:
Henson's response and countersuit:
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allen henson
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Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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