Chloe Ayling’s Agent Breaks Silence on Kidnapping Controversy After BBC Drama Sparks Publicity Stunt Accusations

The manager of British model Chloe Ayling, who was kidnapped and held hostage in Italy for six days, has spoken out following the release of a BBC drama that dramatizes the harrowing events. Phil Green, Ayling’s former agent, shares his side of the story, addressing accusations that the ordeal was a publicity stunt.

Ayling’s kidnapping in July 2017 shocked the world. She was injected with ketamine, handcuffed, and stuffed into a suitcase by her captor, Lukasz Herba, before being transported to a remote house in Viu, near Turin, in the boot of his car. A group calling itself the Black Death Group demanded a £270,000 ransom, threatening to sell her as a sex slave on the dark web. Miraculously, six days later, Ayling appeared at the British consulate in Milan, unharmed, and without any ransom being paid.

However, seven years later, Ayling continues to face doubts about the authenticity of her story. Some have accused her of profiting from the ordeal, with critics suggesting it was a setup. Her agent, Phil Green, firmly rejects these claims. “It beggars belief that it was stage managed,” he said. “I was there during the time when it happened, and it was terrifying for me.”

Green revealed that the booking for Ayling’s fateful trip to Italy was made through his Supermodel Agency in July 2017. However, Herba had previously attempted to lure Ayling to a shoot in Paris a few months earlier. Green, a veteran of the industry, explained that he had carried out due diligence, checking the photographer’s credentials, studio, and previous work. “There’s no way you could predict something like this,” he said.

As the horrifying events unfolded, Green received a chilling ransom email from the kidnappers. “We have Chloe and we are the Black Death Group,” the message read, demanding £270,000 to prevent Ayling from being sold to the Russian mafia. Green immediately contacted authorities, and British and Italian police launched a coordinated effort to secure Ayling’s release.

After her return to the UK, Ayling turned her back on Green, signing with a London publicity agent. Reflecting on this, Green expressed disappointment but remained supportive. “It was disappointing, but what can you do?” he said.

Ayling’s kidnapper, Lukasz Herba, was convicted and sentenced to over 12 years in prison, alongside his brother Michał, who was also involved. Despite the controversies, Green continues to receive inquiries about Ayling’s modeling work and believes she was targeted due to her social media presence.