In a rare radio interview, world-renowned supermodel Kate Moss expressed her frustration at being made a scapegoat for her drug use.
Moss, who faced condemnation after photos of her taking cocaine surfaced in 2005, believes she was unfairly targeted while drug-taking was widely accepted in her social circle.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs program, Moss revealed her feelings of sickness and anger towards the situation, particularly because many of her acquaintances also indulged in drugs.
She found it hypocritical that the spotlight was solely on her, leading to attempts to take away her daughter.
Although Moss was not charged for the offense and retained custody of her daughter, she faced consequences in the form of lost contracts with top brands.
Eventually, she issued a formal apology to the public, feeling obligated as a role model.
Moss emphasized the pressure she felt to apologize, as people looked up to her.
For three decades, Moss, now 48, has been an icon of British coolness.
However, during the interview, she opened up about the anxiety she experienced during her teenage years as a model and the mistreatment she endured in the industry.
Moss also discussed her recent involvement in supporting Johnny Depp during his libel case against Amber Heard.
She clarified that her decision to stand by Depp stemmed from her belief in truth, fairness, and justice.
Moss asserted that she knew Depp's character and refuted allegations made against him.
Similarly, Moss defended her friend, fashion designer John Galliano, who received a guilty verdict for racist abuse in 2011.
Moss attributed Galliano's behavior to alcoholism, stating that people often say things they wouldn't when sober.
At 14 years old, Moss was discovered by the owner of Storm modeling agency during an airplane journey.
Initially, she didn't consider herself a model, finding the idea vain.
However, after her career took off in 1988 with a photo session for The Face magazine, she became highly sought after internationally.
Reflecting on her early experiences, Moss shared the challenges she faced, such as traveling alone for castings and being asked to undress for photoshoots at just 15 years old.
These experiences sharpened her instincts and made her more discerning in identifying potential risks.
Moss's breakthrough came when American designer Calvin Klein chose her for an underwear campaign in 1992.
However, Moss disclosed that her memories of this job were negative, as anxiety drove her to take Valium just to get out of bed for work.
Additionally, Moss addressed the controversy surrounding her involvement in promoting “heroin chic” through photographs taken by Corinne Day for Vogue magazine.
Moss clarified that she was never anorexic or a heroin user, attributing her thinness to inadequate nourishment during shoots and shows.
Moreover, Moss denied originating the quote often attributed to her, “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.”
She explained that it came from a note on a fridge door, intended to discourage a friend from dieting.
Born in 1974 to a travel agent father and a part-time bar worker mother, Moss revealed that her looks were not a topic of discussion at home.
She expressed her loneliness and how her behavior changed for the worse after her parents' separation.
Moss turned to smoking marijuana and hanging out with older boys, seeking solace in her sadness.
In 2016, Moss established her own modeling agency, even signing up her daughter.
She emphasized the importance of ensuring the well-being of her models and protecting them from exploitation.
Currently residing in her Cotswolds country house, Moss has developed a passion for gardening and has shifted her focus away from partying.
She stated that losing control is no longer appealing to her.
In this candid interview, Kate Moss sheds light on her journey as a model, the challenges she faced, and her determination to navigate the industry with integrity.
Through her experiences, she has become an advocate for truth, fairness, and protecting the well-being of others.
