Renowned German photographer Ellen von Unwerth is facing unforgiving backlash on Manhattan’s social scene after shooting the promotional posters for Melania Trump’s new Amazon documentary. The New York Post reports, once known for her edgy portraits of cultural icons, von Unwerth has suddenly found herself unwelcome at some elite New York gatherings.
“[She’s] off my invite list!!,” one party insider told Page Six in response to von Unwerth’s work with Melania Trump. Another added, “Very disappointed she’s supporting this administration.”
Von Unwerth, whose lens has captured stars including Janet Jackson and Madonna, now faces criticism from the very circles that once celebrated her all over political assumptions. Madonna even reshared a post by Paris-based writer Louis Pisano, who blasted the photographer’s decision online, asking, “Who would be thirsty enough to position themself with this fascist administration?”
One poster of Melania Trump promoting her documentary shows graffiti grotesquely referencing Eva Braun.
Socialite Peter Davis weighed in with a reflective essay for Avenue Magazine, exploring whether von Unwerth should be “canceled” over her collaboration with the First Lady.
Despite the uproar, von Unwerth appeared unfazed, attending the documentary’s premiere at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where notable guests included Nicki Minaj, Mike Tyson, Jeff Beacher, and producer Brett Ratner. She also attended a private White House screening featuring President Trump, Barron Trump, Queen Rania of Jordan, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and several high-profile figures from politics and entertainment.
Von Unwerth, who first photographed Melania in the 1990s for a Camel cigarette campaign, did not respond to requests for comment.
Melania’s agent Marc Beckman defended the collaboration, telling Fox News: “This is something the fashion industry will not expect […] They worked together years ago on a campaign, and, for obvious reasons, we thought it would be amazing to have Ellen involved.”