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Fake fashion designer 'groped models during shoot'

A 31-year-old Sydney man posing as a fashion designer has been charged with assaulting models.

Shardz Hourani has been charged with five counts of assault with act of indecency involving two women, aged 20 and 22 after he allegedly groped models during a number of photo shoots.


Hourani was arrested at a shopping centre in Bankstown and will face Waverley Local Court on Thursday after being granted bail.

The Sydney club promoter's alleged behaviour became the centre of intense scrutiny after dozens of models rallied together on a Facebook page attempting to expose the degrading treatment they had been subject to.

One of the photos posted to the 'Say NO to Sanija Fashion' Facebook page, alleging Shardz Hourani man-handled models on shoots. Photo: Facebook
One of the photos posted to the 'Say NO to Sanija Fashion' Facebook page, alleging Shardz Hourani man-handled models on shoots. Photo: Facebook

The Facebook group titled Say NO to Sanija Fashion emerged with photos of Hourani touching models on their breasts, buttocks and thighs as he arranges them in a number of poses.

Tia Wright, told Fairfax Media in June: "There were numerous times where he put his hands into my top, felt my boobs, and said 'yes, size B'."

"He'd yell at me and the other models, and get up very close, right up against your body, and grab your hips, and arse, and your chest and twist your body into poses."

Tia Wright first brought to the fore the allegations with this warning to Photographers and Models on Facebook.
Tia Wright first brought to the fore the allegations with this warning to Photographers and Models on Facebook.

A young Sydney model who worked with Hourani for months spoke exclusively with Yahoo7 News and says aspiring models initially joined Hourani because it was a good opportunity to build a portfolio without cost.

"First he adds you on Facebook and sends you a message saying his high-profile fashion label is looking for models," she said on the condition of anonymity.

"He asks you how much experience you have in modelling - because he is looking for people who don't have any experience," she alleged.

Shardz Hourani has been charged with five counts of assault with act of indecency involving two women, aged 20 and 22 after he allegedly groped models during a number of photo shoots. Photo: Facebook
Shardz Hourani has been charged with five counts of assault with act of indecency involving two women, aged 20 and 22 after he allegedly groped models during a number of photo shoots. Photo: Facebook

The model, who said models without experience were targeted because they were vulnerable and wouldn't be expected to understand how the industry works, said her second shoot was when she noticed something sinister.

"The first shoot he didn't touch me...he just told me what to do," she told Yahoo7 News.

She says during the second shoot she became very uncomfortable as Hourani allegedly got very close with her while demonstrating a pose.

"[He] touched me inappropriately, tried kissing me and told me if I didn't kiss him back then he would be angry ... grabbed my hand and made me touch his erected penis!" another model said.

"I legit went home and cried. We need to stop this."

If you're experiencing sexual assault or domestic and family violence, you can seek support at www.1800respect.org.au