Nikki DuBose (born Tara Nicole DuBose; March 21, 1985) is an American model, actress, and host. She is also a mental health advocate, ambassador, and founder of Live ED Free, an eating disorder recovery coaching service.[1][2]
Nikki DuBose | |
|---|---|
 Nikki DuBose at SI Swimsuit Swimfluence in 2022 | |
| Born | Tara Nicole DuBose March 21, 1985 |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | California Southern University (BA) Meridian University |
| Occupation(s) | Model, actress, host |
Early life and education
editDuBose was born in Charleston, South Carolina.[3][4] DuBose holds a B.A. in psychology from California Southern University and is currently studying for a doctorate degree in psychology at Meridian University.[2][5]
Career
editDuBose started out in modeling and has been photographed for magazines such as Maxim, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Glamour.[5]
In an interview with People, DuBose disclosed that she was raped and sexually harassed during her time in the modeling industry, which "exacerbated" her eating disorders.[6]
DuBose has appeared on CBS LA[7] to talk about her recovery from mental health problems and how the unregulated modeling industry may have caused her problems. She has also spoken about her experiences on television programs such as The T.D. Jakes Show[8] and The Doctors.[9]
DuBose released her first publication in 2016. Titled Washed Away: From Darkness to Light, the memoir outlined her experiences within the modeling industry and the impact this had on her mental health.[10][1]
In 2016, DuBose lent her support for a Californian bill which aimed to ban the use of anorexic models.[11][12][13][14]
On January 4, 2017, the New York Daily News and Times Union profiled her advocacy with Senator Brad Hoylman as she pushed for the Omnibus Child Victims Act (S809) at the New York State Capitol, which will "make it easier for survivors to seek legal recourse."[15][16]
DuBose was also one of 35 models who signed an open letter to the fashion industry urging the prioritization of health and criticizing the industry’s promotion of extreme thinness. The letter was published shortly before New York Fashion Week 2017.[17]
DuBose served as a Celebrity Ambassador for The Shaw Mind Foundation, a global nonprofit based in the United Kingdom that offers support for those suffering from mental health issues.[18] She is currently an Ambassador for Darkness to Light, a nonprofit based in Charleston, South Carolina that provides awareness and education to help adults prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse and reduce stigma related to it.[19]
DuBose founded the coaching service Live ED Free in 2021.[20]
References
edit- ^ a b "Ex modelo de Maxim afirma que fue drogada y violada por fotógrafo y obligada a acostarse con agente para obtener trabajos". La Opinión (in Spanish). 2021-11-30. Retrieved 2023-02-18.
- ^ a b "Former model reveals she was drugged and 'brutally raped' at luncheon, says agent made her have sex". Express Digest. 2021-11-29. Retrieved 2023-02-18.
- ^ Closermag.fr (2018-04-16). "Harcèlement, viol, anorexie… Ma vie de mannequin a fa... - Closer". www.closermag.fr (in French). Retrieved 2023-02-18.
- ^ "Recovery Warriors". South Magazine. 2015-11-23. Retrieved 2023-02-18.
- ^ a b Média, Prisma (5 December 2021). "Nikki DuBose " droguée et violée " par un photographe, le mannequin raconte son calvaire - Voici". Voici.fr (in French). Retrieved 2023-02-18.
- ^ "Former Model Nikki DuBose Backing Bill to Fight Eating Disorders and Sexism". People.com. 7 April 2016. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
- ^ "California May Become First State To Require Models To Obtain Doctor's Note In Order To Work". Losangeles.cbslocal.com. 24 February 2016. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
- ^ Desk, Lioness News (2016-10-22). "Former Model Nikki DuBose Talks Body Dysmorphic Disorder With TD Jakes". Lioness Magazine. Retrieved 2023-02-18.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ Ekern, Baxter (2018-06-20). "Nikki DuBose's Eating Disorder & Addiction Story". Eating Disorder Hope. Retrieved 2023-02-18.
- ^ "New Memoir 'Washed Away: From Darkness to Light' Reveals the Dark Side of the Modeling Industry". PR Newswire. 4 October 2016.
- ^ "California considers banning anorexic models". SF Gate. 22 February 2016.
- ^ "Op-Ed: Why models need labor protections". LA Times. 11 April 2016.
- ^ Hicken, Blake Ellis and Melanie (2016-05-04). "Runway Injustice: How the modeling industry exploits young and vulnerable workers". CNNMoney. Retrieved 2023-02-18.
- ^ "California May Soon Take a Stand Against Dangerously Skinny Models". Esquire. 2016-02-25. Retrieved 2023-02-18.
- ^ "Sex abuse survivors lodge rallying cry for Child Victims Act". Nydailynews.com. 4 January 2017. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
- ^ Karlin, Rick; Hamilton, Matthew (2017-01-05). "Sour, sweet opening addresses for session". Times Union. Retrieved 2023-02-18.
- ^ "35 modelos escrevem carta aberta à indústria da moda criticando "práticas insalubres"". globo.com (in Spanish). 2017-02-06.
- ^ "The Shaw Mind Foundation – Our other patrons and vloggers". Shawmindfoundation.org. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
- ^ "Celebrating Our Heroes - Nikki DuBose". Darkness to Light. Retrieved 2023-02-18.
- ^ Guy, Brittney (2022-06-02). "Nikki Dubose, Helena, CA Brand Photoshoot For A Cover Model And Author". brittneyjeanphotography.com. Retrieved 2023-02-18.