Are Female bodybuilders being sexually exploitated?

[Bodybuilding News]

A Washington Post investigation found that for decades, officials from bodybuilding's two biggest federations used female athletes for sexual purposes. Interviews with hundreds of competitors, judges, officials, and other people show that female athletes are being used in a systematic way. Mandy Henderson, a former sheriff's deputy in Santa Clara County, Calif., described how the pressure was used on women. Manion's Erotic Fitness websites sold topless and totally nude images of famous female bodybuilders. Archived photos show more than a quarter of women appeared fully or partially naked or in provocative circumstances.

J.M. Elmoussawi is accused of making sexual advances on model Mandy Gates, who says she fled from his truck. A former Bombshell squad member says she was instructed on how to keep J.M. ecstatic at picture sessions. One Bombshell member said she would pose topless but never agreed to complete nudity.

Ava Cowan says that her career was cut short after she hurt her neck in a backstage accident. A cameraman caught a scene under a pool where Garcia was wearing a thong bikini and tight shorts.

 

[Joe Pietaro]

I read the Washington Post article and legally speaking, there was only one gray area 'crime' that took place (the dry hump, if you can even call it that) and the state of limitations are long over for it. The other aspects of it are all civil in nature (regarding the financial split, or lack thereof). Otherwise, it was signed contracts that described what they would entail. And the one competitor interviewed actually came back to compete in the masters after finally getting her pro card then stepping away. Just calling it like I see it and I have never been someone who has accused of being a 'company man.' Quite the opposite.