Book claims Henson scoured playground for models
Posted
Updated
Henson's exhibition was shut down in May of this year (AAP Image: Andrew Sheargold)
Artist Bill Henson has become embroiled in a new controversy over revelations that a Melbourne primary school principal let him scour the playground in search of child models.
In May this year, police shut down an exhibition of Henson after complaints about images of a naked 12-year-old girl, but no charges were laid.
Now in a book by journalist David Marr, Henson reportedly says a Melbourne primary school principal agreed to let him wander the playground at lunch time to look for suitable child models.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says he finds it disgusting.
"I think parents would be revolted and horrified if this were true," he said.
Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull, who has backed Henson in the past, agrees.
"I share the the outrage that has been expressed by many people, I think, universally," he said.
Liberal Senator Bill Heffernan says the principal's actions were a betrayal of trust.
A spokeswoman for the artist says he has no comment to make about the matter.
