Chapter 11 - The Agency
Northline Youth Talent terminated Ramona’s account.
Not because child modeling itself was scandalous.
Because she falsely certified authority over Nell.
They also conducted internal review.
Their consent process had allowed preliminary family submissions with a checkbox and typed name.
Too easy.
For actual booking, they would have required parent ID and work permits.
But harm happened before booking.
They changed preliminary callback policy:
Direct verification with each minor’s legal guardian before forwarding non-public family images to clients.
Good.
No lawsuit yet.
Our attorney sent demand:
Delete Nell’s photographs from active casting systems except preserved legal copies.
No further use.
No contact through Ramona.
Written confirmation.
Northline complied.
Linden & Lace removed her from campaign consideration automatically while consent dispute was investigated.
Then Camille asked us:
“If Nell independently wishes to be considered later, we can start a fresh submission directly with you.”
I said:
“No decision now.”
Good.
Nell had asked once.
That did not mean we should rush into reclaiming by modeling.
Then the unauthorized likeness issue.
Ramona had not publicly posted new images of Nell through the agency.
She shared private family photographs for commercial solicitation without parental consent.
Civil claim possible.
Damages limited.
We decided not to chase a huge lawsuit.
Instead settlement later required:
Permanent deletion.
No use of Nell’s image/name commercially.
Reimbursement of our legal costs tied to takedown.
Written admission of no authority.
No contact with agencies regarding Nell.
Enough.
No financial windfall.
Then criminal case.
Prosecutor charged Ramona with misdemeanor battery for intentionally cutting Nell’s hair without consent.
Could there be aggravated charge with scissors?
No injury to skin.
No serious bodily harm.
They stayed narrow.
A separate misdemeanor count for false business certification was considered but not pursued because statute fit poorly and no money was obtained through Nell.
Good.
Law did not need to criminalize every lie.
Ramona initially pleaded not guilty.
Her lawyer argued hair cutting, while offensive, was not bodily injury under certain statute.
The state argued battery covers unwanted physical contact and cutting attached hair.
Legal question.
Eventually plea negotiations.
Not yet.
Then protective order.
Civil court entered temporary no-contact between Ramona and Nell except therapeutic setting by agreement.
Dulcie’s relationship with us could continue through Evan and professionals.
Ramona did not object.
May you like
That mattered.
Some insight beginning.
