So back in January, my friend Jess (23F) asked me if she could use me as the model for a final project in her art program. She's doing digital painting, and the concept was supposed to be “identity in nature” or something like that. At the time, she said it would just be a stylized portrait with “forest vibes” and some cool effects—sounded harmless, so I agreed.

A few days ago, she finally showed me the finished piece. And… I was shocked. It’s literally my face, hyper-realistic, but my eyes are replaced with mushroom caps, my skin is peeling back into tree bark, and there are insects crawling out of my mouth. The background is like a decayed forest, and overall it looks more like a horror poster than an art project.

I straight-up told her I wasn’t okay with this and didn’t want my face associated with something like that—especially since she plans to display it publicly at her university's gallery and post it on her portfolio website. She got defensive and said I gave her permission months ago and that “art isn’t supposed to be flattering.”

I said I didn’t agree to have my literal face used in something that graphic and disturbing. If she had even hinted it would be in that style, I would’ve said no. She says I’m being shallow and trying to censor her work, but I just don’t want people seeing my very recognizable face like that, especially since I’m job hunting and trying to stay professional online.

Now she’s accusing me of being unsupportive and threatening to replace my face with an AI-modified version, but honestly, I feel like she’s being the one who crossed a line.

AITAH for backing out even though I originally said yes?