When Jinata agreed to work with what she believed was a reputable disability modeling agency, she never expected to find herself with a severe allergic reaction after being told to darken her skin to look 'more Aboriginal.'
The disturbing allegation against Diversity Models founder Monique Jeremiah has sent shockwaves through both the disability and Indigenous communities, raising serious questions about exploitation of Australia's most vulnerable people.
Diversity Models, described as 'Australia's top modelling agency for disabilities and diversity' [1], is now facing multiple allegations of racism, financial exploitation, and disability discrimination—all while operating as an NDIS registered provider with access to public funding.
'Make me look like a dark Aboriginal'
The most disturbing allegation comes from former model Jinata, who says Jeremiah instructed her to appear 'more Aboriginal' for a government advertising campaign at Brisbane Airport.
'I'm a white Aboriginal, she made me look like a dark Aboriginal,' Jinata told A Current Affair. 'She told you to look more Aboriginal? Yeah, to look more Aboriginal, like dark as possible.'
The attempt to darken Jinata's appearance allegedly involved tanning lotion that caused a severe allergic reaction, followed by dark foundation that didn't match her natural skin tone. 'I had a rash after the lotion because I'm actually allergic to tanning lotion... My family told me you don't even look, that's not even your colour skin, your natural colour is white Aboriginal, be proud of who you are.'
'She tried to make me look more Aboriginal by putting tanning lotion on first. But it didn't work and then I ended up having a rash, bad rash, and swollen face'
A pattern of exploitation emerges
The allegations extend far beyond cultural insensitivity. Multiple former models have come forward with claims of financial exploitation that paint a picture of systematic abuse of trust.
Brandon Mirzai, who lives with cerebral palsy, alleges he was initially told he'd be paid $500 for a modeling shoot, only to discover the actual payment was $1,300 per model when he arrived at the location. The producer ended up paying the models directly after refusing to work through Jeremiah's agency.
'If she didn't step in, each of us would have only been given the $500 that Monique wanted to give us and Monique would have taken the rest for herself,' Brandon explained.
The financial disparity
According to invoices obtained by A Current Affair, models were charged $425 for hair and makeup services, while the actual makeup artist Cleo was paid only $50 per model—a markup of more than 750 per cent.
'Look more disabled'
Perhaps most troubling are allegations that Jeremiah instructed people with disabilities to exaggerate their conditions. Legally blind model Hayley claims she was told to purchase a walking stick to appear 'more disabled' for a photoshoot, despite not needing mobility assistance.
The alleged exploitation didn't stop with deceptive practices. When Brandon spoke publicly about his treatment, Jeremiah announced his termination on the company's Facebook page—a move now under investigation by Fair Work Australia.
Privacy breaches and public humiliation
After Hayley appeared on A Current Affair to discuss her experiences, Jeremiah allegedly retaliated with a hour-long YouTube video that disclosed Hayley's private email, date of birth, and NDIS participant number.
'If you care so much about people with disabilities, why would you publicly release information on Hayley? Private information. She's been in tears over it,' the interviewer asked.
Jeremiah's response was unrepentant: 'Oh, has she? Crocodile tears, was it? Absolutely not [I won't apologise].'
Regulatory consequences mounting
Despite these serious allegations, Diversity Models remains an NDIS registered provider [2] [3], though multiple regulatory bodies are now involved. The NDIS Commission is reportedly aware of the YouTube video incident, Fair Work Australia is investigating the public termination, and Jeremiah has had her Entrepreneur of the Year nomination revoked.
Community engagements and sponsorship deals have been cancelled, with Jeremiah admitting: 'I had so many community engagements and sponsorships up until November. Now they're all gone.'
What NDIS participants need to know
- Providers must meet strict ethical standards and codes of conduct
- Participants have rights to dignity, respect, and cultural safety
- Financial arrangements should be transparent with no hidden markups
- Complaints can be made to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
- Support is available through disability advocacy services
A system designed to protect, failing to deliver
Diversity Models promotes itself as 'Australia's very first NDIS Registered Provider Modelling Agency' that focuses on 'being the agency of choice for people with disabilities to enter the modelling industry' [4], yet the allegations suggest a fundamental breach of the trust placed in NDIS providers.
The NDIS was established to empower people with disabilities and give them choice and control over their lives. When providers exploit this vulnerability for profit, it undermines the entire system designed to protect Australia's most vulnerable citizens.
The broader implications
These allegations come at a time when Australia is grappling with both cultural sensitivity around Indigenous representation and the rights of people with disabilities. The suggestion that someone would manipulate both Aboriginal identity and disability presentation for commercial gain strikes at the heart of ongoing conversations about authentic representation.
Cultural appropriation—the adoption of elements from a culture by members of a different group—has particular significance in Australia, where Indigenous communities have long fought for accurate and respectful representation in media and advertising.
What happens next?
When confronted with the mounting allegations during her A Current Affair interview, Jeremiah remained defiant: 'I am the Founder of Diversity Models and there's absolutely no way I'm going anywhere.'
However, the regulatory wheels are turning. The NDIS Commission has powers to investigate provider conduct and can revoke registration where standards aren't met. Fair Work Australia's investigation into the public termination could result in significant penalties.
For the disability community, this case highlights the importance of vigilance when choosing service providers and the need for stronger oversight of those entrusted with public funding.
The allegations against Diversity Models serve as a stark reminder that the most vulnerable members of our community can be targeted by those who should be protecting them. Whether through cultural insensitivity, financial exploitation, or privacy breaches, the impact on individuals who trusted this service extends far beyond money—it affects dignity, wellbeing, and trust in a system designed to empower.
As investigations continue, the disability community waits to see whether the system designed to protect them will hold accountable those who allegedly betrayed their trust.
What are your thoughts on this case? Have you experienced issues with NDIS providers? Share your experiences in the comments below—your voice matters in ensuring accountability within the system.
Primary Source
https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-...original/b7500da9-ec82-41c7-afcc-cb2beefbf346
INTERVIEW with Monique Jeremiah || Founder of Diversity Models — Suzanne Dang
Cited text: From ex-teacher to founder of Australia’s top modelling agency for disabilities and diversity, Monique Jeremiah is the highly outspoken, trailblazing ...
Excerpt: Diversity Models, described as 'Australia's top modelling agency for disabilities and diversity'
https://www.suzanne-dang.com/interviews/interview-with-monique-jeremiah-founder-of-diversity-models
Monique Jeremiah—Diversity Models—Founder—DIVERSITY MODELS—AUSTRALIA’S 1ST DISABILITY MODELS AGENCY—NDIS Registered Provider 0447 840 939 -DIVERSITY MODELS ACADEMY-Confidence Building Weekend Workshops—Photography for NDIS businesses | LinkedIn
Cited text: Entrepreneurship https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10160263944967483&type=3 · Jan 2008—Nov 2023 15 years 11 months · 2008—Present · 2008 -...
Excerpt: Despite these serious allegations, Diversity Models remains an NDIS registered provider
https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquejeremiahdiversitymodels/
Monique Jeremiah—Diversity Models—Founder—DIVERSITY MODELS—AUSTRALIA’S 1ST DISABILITY MODELS AGENCY—NDIS Registered Provider 0447 840 939 -DIVERSITY MODELS ACADEMY-Confidence Building Weekend Workshops—Photography for NDIS businesses | LinkedIn
Cited text: Diversity Models is a proud advocate for Diversity & Inclusion Diversity Models is Australia's very first NDIS Registered Provider Modelling Agency.
Excerpt: Despite these serious allegations, Diversity Models remains an NDIS registered provider
https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquejeremiahdiversitymodels/
Diversity Models
Cited text: Diversity Models is Australia's very first NDIS Registered Provider Modelling Agency. Therefore we focus on being the agency of choice for people with...
Excerpt: Diversity Models promotes itself as 'Australia's very first NDIS Registered Provider Modelling Agency' that focuses on 'being the agency of choice for people with disabilities to enter the modelling industry'
https://www.diversitymodels.com.au/
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