Police investigating modeling agent accused of sexual harassment

Police launch a criminal investigation into Israeli modeling agent Shai Avital, who represents some of the country’s top models and has been accused of sexual harassment by multiple former clients and colleagues.

Channel 13 on Saturday released evidence of Avital sending models threatening messages, including police complaints ready to be submitted if they were to accuse him of sexual abuse. In leaked text messages, Avital appeared to boast that he has connections with the police, and he is not afraid of any complaints against him.

According to documents released by the network, in 2009 Avital paid NIS 120,000 ($35,000) to model Israela Avtau, after he sexually assaulted her in his office. The incident was apparently kept under wraps, and Avital continued his career as an agent.

Sexual messages allegedly sent by Avital to a number of women, including minors, were also shown by the network.

A number of allegations also claimed Avital exposed himself in front of them, including at least one case that resulted in them having sex afterward, which continued on a regular basis after Avital promised the apparent victim would be featured on a popular reality show.

Other women accused him of forcibly groping, kissing, and licking their faces. The allegations date back over the past two decades, the network said.