Early Friday morning, June 20, New York-based rapper Mykki Blanco shared this photo of himself and Terry Richardson, with the caption "#TeamTerry."
The photo has amassed more than 700 likes, but commenters are not thrilled:
Backlash against Terry Richardson intensified this week after a New York magazine cover story, in which "Uncle Terry" denied years of allegations that he coerces models into performing sexual acts during photo shoots.
Fans of Blanco, who sometimes performs in drag, also expressed disappointment on Twitter:
Really disappointed that Mykki Blanco is choosing to publicly stand with #TerryRichardson and advocate for #teamterry
So disappointed that Mykki Blanco is a Terry Richardson apologist.
ew Mykki Blanco supporting Terry Richardson makes me so uncomfortable
The photo wasn't popular on Facebook, where it was cross-posted, either.
A spokesperson for Mykki Blanco declined to comment.
Mykki Blanco responded to criticism of his Instagram, writing on Twitter that he'd rather be unpopular that participate in "crucifying."
I'm not in the practice of vilifying or crucifying. If empathy is unpopular then I'll risk being unpopular.
If my compassion is distasteful then so be it