PA ImagesLucy Hale has revealed the topless photos of her posted by the gossip website Celeb Jihad were stolen from her phone by hackers.
Ms Hale’s legal team have now sent a letter to the notorious site demanding they remove the two topless photos, which The Daily Star say were sent in iPhone messages from Lucy’s phone.
The star’s lawyer, Marty Singer, has said Lucy, 27, owns the photos which were allegedly sent to a friend but stolen from her phone and that they will sue the site if they are not removed.
PA ImagesTMZ have also reported that while Celeb Jihad is currently reviewing the letter, they’ve not removed the topless pictures from their site yet.
Lucy has responded to the theft of her images on Twitter posting a statement which appears to address the issue.
— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) December 23, 2016
It reads:
Well, I wasn’t going to comment on something so ridiculous, but since 2017 is gonna be all about speaking the truth… I’m going to say something.
Once again a woman in the public eye was violated, stolen from and her private life and body were exposed for anyone to see.
I will not apologize (sic) for living my life and having a personal life that is all mine. It’s truly unfortunate being exposed in this way is allowed.
Thank you for all your sweet, supportive messges I’ve been receiving. It was a much needed reminder that I’m surrounded by so much love.
I appreciate you all very much. And to whoever did this… kiss my ass.
There was also an outpouring of support for Lucy from her fans on Twitter…
https://twitter.com/holdingonhz/status/812236587643838464
https://twitter.com/LGBenoisT/status/812237709037203457
[tweet https://twitter.com/LuckyCharmed3/status/812237693186932737 conversation=false”]
https://twitter.com/thwmikaelsons/status/812237339862900736
https://twitter.com/MargomezHale/status/812237527360929792
Celeb Jihad is known for it’s controversial content and the site has been in trouble in the past for posting ‘topless’ photos of stars including Emma Watson.
Earlier this year Watson’s legal team successfully petitioned the site to remove snaps of the Harry Potter star wearing a sheer black top through which you could see her breasts.
Her legal team argued the photos were in violation of copyright law as the photos belonged to Ms Watson’s stylist.
More of a concept than a journalist, Tom Percival was forged in the bowels of Salford University from which he emerged grasping a Masters in journalism.
Since then his rise has been described by himself as ‘meteoric’ rising to the esteemed rank of Social Editor at UNILAD as well as working at the BBC, Manchester Evening News, and ITV.
He credits his success to three core techniques, name repetition, personality mirroring, and never breaking off a handshake.