Introduction – Yachting in Hollywood
In the glittering world of Hollywood, where dreams are manufactured and stars are born, there lies a hidden darkness beneath the surface glamour. The secret world of yachting, veiled in luxury and opulence, conceals tales of coercion, exploitation, and unspoken transactions. It is a realm where fame and fortune come with a sinister price, and the allure of the open sea masks the shadows lurking within.
Yachting is one of Hollywood’s biggest open secrets, with A-list stars, including models, actors, and influencers, rumored to have participated in this clandestine world. The term “yachting” describes the practice of being paid to spend time on a yacht with extremely wealthy clients. While it can be a way for women to raise their profile and earn money, it has a dark history of coercion, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
The Rise of Yachting
The term “yachting” began gaining traction when The Hollywood Reporter published an investigation into the culture at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013. The investigation revealed that models and some Hollywood actors swarmed the hotels and yacht parties during the festival. Eli Nahas, who ran a modeling agency at the time, was later convicted of supplying more than 50 women to rich Middle Eastern clients during the festival. According to Nahas, every year there are 30 to 40 luxury yachts in the bay at Cannes, each owned by a very rich person, and every boat has about ten girls on it, usually nude or half-nude. These women, referred to as “yacht girls,” blur the lines between party-goers and escorts.
The Power Dynamics
The men who own these yachts are extremely wealthy and influential. Having a relationship with these individuals can potentially elevate a woman’s career. The Hollywood Reporter highlights that “yachting your way to stardom” happens with disturbing frequency. Actresses like Irina Shayk, who landed her debut role in the film Hercules despite having no previous acting credits, have been linked to yachting.
The Yachts and Their Owners – Yachting in Hollywood
To give you an idea of the wealth involved, some of the yachts spotted at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019 included the Serene, a $500 million superyacht owned by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Eclipse, the second-largest superyacht in the world, valued at an estimated $1.2 billion. The luxury and power associated with these yachts make it clear why someone might be willing to engage in yachting, even if they don’t need the money.
Celebrity Involvement
In 2021, Emily Ratajkowski released a memoir titled “My Body,” where she detailed her experiences with yachting. This led to speculation about other celebrities like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber. One of Ratajkowski’s yachting clients was Jho Low, a Malaysian businessman who became a fugitive after allegedly embezzling billions from the Malaysian state.
Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian have also been linked to yachting. Kris Jenner has been accused of coaching her daughters in the art of pleasing men for financial gain. Reports claim that Kim Kardashian was sent home by Jho Low with a white Ferrari and $250,000 in cash after partying with him in Vegas. These instances further highlight the disturbing reality of yachting in the entertainment industry.
The Dark Reality of Yachting in Hollywood
Despite the allure of luxury yachts and potential career boosts, the reality of yachting is often grim. Models and actresses who engage in yachting are frequently subjected to groping, sexual favors, and exploitation. An anonymous actress revealed her experience yachting in Europe, describing it as a three-hour sexual ordeal filled with groping and staring. Another former superyacht deckhand described their time on board as cleaning up after sex parties, orgies, drug binges, and even slaughtering animals to provide fresh food.
While yachting may seem like a glamorous way to elevate one’s career and enjoy luxurious experiences, it has a dark underbelly that involves exploitation and coercion. The stories of celebrities and models highlight the disturbing reality behind the glamorous facade of yachting.
