Female Celebrity Nude Photo Leak: A Sex Crime
A few days ago, a multitude of nude photographs of female celebrities began circulating online. The list of victims includes Kate Upton, Victoria Justice, Ariana Grande, Kirsten Dunst, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Krysten Ritter, among others. While many media outlets have called this incident a scandal, it is more appropriately identified as a sex crime. Simply put, nude photographs were stolen and disseminated without permission. This offense not only includes theft of personal property, but more perversely, the exploitation of the female body.
Many media outlets have morally reprimanded the female celebrities that fell victim to this offense. While it is certainly true that it may be foolish to take nude photographs of oneself on a mobile device that can be easily hacked or stolen, these women did nothing wrong. They simply exercised their right to take pictures of themselves on their personal cell phone devices while relying on an expectation of privacy – which we are all entitled to. Any form of reprimand should be directed at those who stole the personal property from these women and later, dispersed it.
Some have faulted these female celebrities by blaming their method of storing their personal property. However, it is not the victim’s responsibility to increase security measures or find unique storage places for their private photographs in order to stop individuals from stealing their property. This faulty analysis is similarly used in assault crimes as well as other crimes against women. Perceptions like that promulgate notions that women should dress a certain way or travel in groups in order to avoid assault, rape or a similar offense. By taking this stance, the blame is put on the women victims, rather than on the perpetrators of the crime.
Likewise, the usual protocol in a “scandal” like this calls for the victim female celebrity to issue a public apology. This is outrageous considering that in doing so, these female celebrities are apologizing for a criminal act against them. They are taking responsibility for a criminal having stolen from them. They are apologizing even though they have not committed any crime. Instead of giving apologies, these female celebrities should be demanding them. They are the victims of crimes and their rights should be protected.
If you are the victim of a crime, it is important that you contact a sex crime attorney as soon as possible to learn about your legal options. Contact Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney for all of your Miami or Broward criminal defense needs. Call us today at 305-615-1285 to schedule a free consultation and learn how experienced attorney Julian Stroleny can help protect your rights. For more information on how we can resolve your legal matter, visit us online at strolenylaw.com.