‘Celebration of the human form’: Melania Trump defends nude modelling work

The former first lady said she stands “proudly behind” the images, and accused “the media” of scrutinising her “celebration of the human form”.

Melania Trump has defended her past nude modelling work, accusing “the media” of scrutinising her “celebration of the human form”.

The former US first lady – who is notoriously private – made some of the most extensive remarks she has ever given about the topic in a 45-second social media clip, as part of a series of videos to promote her forthcoming, eponymous memoir.

“Why do I stand proudly behind my nude modelling work?” the 54-year-old asks in a voiceover.

“The more pressing question is, why has the media chosen to scrutinise my celebration of the human form in a fashion photo shoot?

“Are we no longer able to appreciate the beauty of the human body?

“Throughout history, master artists have revered the human shape, evoking profound emotions and admiration. We should honour our bodies and embrace the timeless tradition of using art as a powerful means of self-expression.”

Her call for artistic expression was featured alongside images of famous classical paintings and sculptures of the naked form, including Michelangelo’s David, Paul Cézanne’s Bathers, and John Collier’s Lady Godiva.

Melania Trump appeared nude on the cover of British GQ in January 2000. Picture: British GQ

’I stand proudly behind my nude modelling work,’ Ms Trump said in a new video.

Ms Trump’s modelling career has not been a subject of widespread news coverage since the Republican presidential primary race in 2016.

One of the images, used for the cover of a “Naked supermodel special” issue of British GQ, was resurfaced and circulated by an anti-Trump political action committee called “Make America Awesome”.

“Meet Melania Trump. Your next first lady. Or, you could support Ted Cruz on Tuesday,” the ad read. Mr Cruz denied being involved in the stunt.

Donald and Melania Trump at the Republican National Convention on July 18. Picture: Brendan Smialowski/AFP

Ms Trump has vowed her memoir will tell ‘the truth’ about her ‘misrepresentation’. Picture: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Time

The nude photo, and others showing Ms Trump in various states of undress aboard the future president’s Boeing 727, were published in January 2000, when she and Donald Trump were still only dating.

The photographer, Antoine Verglas, told US media in 2016 Ms Trump insisted on not doing “full nudity” during the shoot.

“Melania was a very reserved person. She was definitely not someone who you would see in nightclubs or going out a lot,” Mr Verglas said.

“Pretty down to earth, very nice, very warm.”

‘As a private person who has often been the subject of public scrutiny and misrepresentation, I feel a responsibility to clarify the facts.’ Picture: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

In recent days, Ms Trump has published snippets of what will presumably included in her memoir, which she has vowed will tell “the truth” about her “misrepresentation”.

“Writing this memoir has been a deeply personal and reflective journey for me,” she said in a promotional video for the book.

“As a private person who has often been the subject of public scrutiny and misrepresentation, I feel a responsibility to clarify the facts.

“I believe it is important to share my perspective, the truth.”

Originally published as ‘Celebration of the human form’: Melania Trump defends nude modelling work