Nude Model in Times Square Fall Wants Mental Illness Empathy

NEW YORK (AP) — A fashion model who strutted naked on a Times Square ledge before plunging to the ground says he wants people to respond to mental illness with more compassion.

Krit McClean told the New York Post for its Sunday editions that most reactions to his public breakdown have been punitive. He says he lost his modeling deal, faces a Columbia University disciplinary hearing and is charged criminally after the June 30 episode.

The 21-year-old told the newspaper he is going public with what he went through so people will show empathy and sensitivity to others suffering mental illness.

McClean says he has medication and therapy to help his genetic predisposition for manic episodes. Prosecutors are set to drop charges if he continues treatment and avoids trouble for six months.