From underwear model to burqua-wearing Muslim and now convicted drug user, Michelle Leslie has polarised public opinion since her arrest and release from a three-month stint in a Bali jail for possessing two ecstasy tablets. Now back in Sydney, Leslie is looking to rebuild her life and her career with the help of celebrity spruiker Max Markson.
This week B&T spoke to Markson and other industry experts about how they would manage Leslie’s image and “brand”.
According to Markson, public sympathy could pave the way for product endorsements and a career in television.
“There is definitely demand for her in the market place. There’s no doubt in my mind she will continue modelling and be involved in endorsements, do fashion shoots or break into television if she wants,” Markson said. “I’ve had emails saying ‘good on you’ and I had a lot of phone calls from companies wanting her to endorse products, but selling her story to the media is not on the table.”
The director of Markson Sparks, who is no stranger to controversy himself, manages household names such as Hayley Lewis, Susie Maroney, Richard Wilkins, Cover Girl Cosmetics and Nudie Juice. However, despite media reports, Markson wouldn’t confirm he was representing Leslie, except to say he’s had “meetings” with her and to “watch this space”.
