WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- The photographer whose nude pictures of Vanessa Williams forced her to relinquish the 1984 Miss America crown said Monday he plans to release limited edition portfolios of those photos and others.
Tom Chiapel, now living in Connecticut, said in a telephone interview he has planned the portfolios for 18 months. He disclosed he was paid $50,000 for the original photos by Penthouse magazine, which ran them in a splashy display.
Chiapel said it was a coincidence his portfolio plans were made public shortly after Williams dropped a $400 million lawsuit in White Plains against Chiapel and Penthouse. Chiapel said he dropped a countersuit.
The photographer said he is putting together 14 shots that ran in Penthouse of Williams and a second woman, which will be released in October. The portfolio will include a forward by Penthouse Publisher Bob Guccione, he said.
Another 12 shots selected for a second package will be released later, he said.
Chiapel said that while Williams contended she never signed a release for the original photos and had suffered from their publication, the affair hurt him as well.
'For two years I was the bad guy,' said Chiapel.
The pictures were shot in 1982 when Williams worked for Chiapel as a receptionist. Williams, who grew up in nearby Millwood in suburban New York City, is now pursuing a singing and acting career.
'Vanessa can go on with her career,' Chiapel said. 'I wish her all the best. She's very talented.'
Chiapel said while he has no regrets about his role in the Penthouse matter, he did not force Williams from the beauty crown, as some critics charged. 'She did it to herself,' he said.
Chiapel added the photos were not pornography. 'The photos are very beautiful,' he said. 'I'm very proud of them.'
Attorneys for Williams were unavailable for comment Monday, as was Guccione.
The first batch of 100 portfolios are priced at $1,700. No price or release date has been picked for the second, he said.
