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WASHINGTON, D.C., November 27, 2013 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A decision by then-Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) to host a photo shoot with controversial pornographer Terry Richardson in 2007 in his Senate offices, is receiving renewed attention and criticism this week. (Warning: links may lead to disturbing images and descriptions.)

In a feature article published on CNS News, reporter Barbara Boland reported that on July 30, 2007, Obama – then a presidential candidate – had a “portrait session” with Richardson as part of an interview for the entertainment magazine Vibe. Richardson is infamous for pornography depicting bestiality and male sexual dominance of women. He has also been accused of sexual exploitation of some models.

The decision to host the shoot has drawn criticism from conservatives who say that it legitimizes pornography and sexual indecency.

“Frankly, leadership matters,” said The Family Leader’s Bob Vander Plaats. “Pornography devalues men, women and children and is detrimental to society as a whole. A leader's role is to elevate what is right and what is good for our families and for our culture.”

Richardson, who is widely published by mainstream fashion magazines such as Vogue, GQ, and Rolling Stone, has been a controversial figure for decades. He has been photographed in a sexual position with a sheep, receiving oral sex from a woman, among other situations. He has also photographed women in similar situations.

At least two models Richardson has photographed have accused him of exploitation. Earlier this year the feminist Jezebel.com accused Richardson of being “The World's Most [Expletive] Fashion Photographer.” Jezebel cited multiple women who accused Richardson of having sexually abused and exploited them.

CNS News reports that the week before Richardson photographed Obama, he was the photographer for Penthouse’s centerfold. More recently, he has been hired by pop stars Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and others, with many photos featuring partial nudity, toplessness, and other offensive imagery.  

Vander Plaats told LifeSiteNews.com that pornography “denigrates something beautiful down to lust, to selfish indulgence,” and criticized Obama for “not [being] a leader.”

Richardson has refused to comment to the media since 2010. While CNS News says it isn’t clear whether the White House was aware of Richardson’s reputation, they observe that a quick Goggle search returns numerous hits pointing to his graphic work. 

The White House ignored CNS News’ requests for comment.