In a recent Apple TV+ documentary conversation centered on Supermodels, Linda Evangelista opened up about a painful chapter from her life. The iconic Canadian supermodel described harms she endured during her marriage to Gerald Marie, the former head of Elite Model Management’s European division. Evangelista’s reflections are part of a broader dialogue about how survivors of abuse find the courage to speak out, including the women who publicly accused Marie of sexual assault and rape. It is a discussion that places lived experience at the heart of accountability and healing for the fashion industry.
Evangelista explained that she entered the relationship at a young age and confronted the difficult truth that leaving an abusive partnership is rarely straightforward. She recalled moments of clarity about her situation and acknowledged the emotional and practical barriers that can make separation feel out of reach. Yet she affirmed that stepping away ultimately brought a sense of safety and freedom, even as the shadows of the past linger in memory. Those insights reflect the complex and non-linear paths many survivors navigate on the road to autonomy.
From 1987 to 1993 Evangelista was married to Marie, who was responsible for guiding Elite Model Management in Europe during that period. The marriage ended when Evangelista was still in her twenties, and she has since reflected on the power imbalance and its impact on her life and career. She indicated that, at the time, her ex-husband cut many ties while she was processing the fallout of the breakup and attempting to rebuild a sense of professional and personal footing. The narrative underscores how control dynamics within the industry can shape a person’s trajectory long after a relationship ends.
In 2020, several women came forward with accusations of sexual assault and rape against Marie. Evangelista said she believed those claims from the outset, underscoring the importance of listening to survivors and validating their experiences. Her stance echoed a broader chorus of voices that helped empower others to come forward and seek accountability.
Speaking within the larger framework of accountability and justice, Evangelista expressed a wish for enduring outcomes that protect victims and deter would-be perpetrators. She stressed solidarity with fellow survivors and encouraged women to know they are not alone in their struggles. Her remarks align with a broader movement aimed at extending accountability beyond individual cases to catalyze cultural change within the industry and beyond.
Earlier reporting highlighted Evangelista’s visible tears at a major European fashion event, illustrating the heavy emotional burden carried by those who navigate high-profile careers while processing personal trauma. The moment served as a poignant reminder that public ascent does not erase private pain, and it can amplify the responsibility to support and listen to survivors across generations. In discussing these experiences, Evangelista contributes to a larger conversation about safety, dignity, and respect in a world where power and visibility can complicate healing. The conversation continues to evolve as more voices join the call for accountability and systemic reform within the fashion ecosystem.