Ariana Grande and numerous other female celebrities are the target of a major hacking campaign involving alleged nude photos that have been leaked online.
Billboard Cover: Ariana Grande on Fame, Freddy Krueger and Her Freaky Past
Others celebs who’ve reportedly been hacked include Jennifer Lawrence, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Lea Michele, Avril Lavigne, Hilary Duff, Selena Gomez, Rihanna, Vanessa Hudgens, Kate Upton, Kirsten Dunst, Hope Solo, Krysten Ritter, Yvonne Strahovski and Teresa Palmer, among others.
The dozens of alleged nude photos first appeared on the online bulletin board 4chan, which is mostly used anonymously, according to Buzzfeed.
A member of Grande’s team tells Billboard the photos fake. Some have joined the pop singer in denying the authenticity of the photos, while others have admitted that they’re real.
Victoria Justice took to Twitter to deny that the alleged photos of her are legitimate. “These so called nudes of me are FAKE people. Let me nip this in the bud right now. *pun intended*,” the actress and singer-songwriter wrote on Sunday (Aug. 31).
These so called nudes of me are FAKE people. Let me nip this in the bud right now. *pun intended*
— Victoria Justice (@VictoriaJustice) August 31, 2014
But a representative for “Hunger Games” star Lawrence has reportedly confirmed that the images were stolen from the actress’ iCloud account and are real.
“This is a flagrant violation of privacy,” the spokesperson told the Huffington Post. “The authorities have been contacted and will prosecute anyone who posts the stolen photos of Jennifer Lawrence.”
To those of you looking at photos I took with my husband years ago in the privacy of our home, hope you feel great about yourselves.
— Mary E. Winstead (@M_E_Winstead) August 31, 2014
Knowing those photos were deleted long ago, I can only imagine the creepy effort that went into this. Feeling for everyone who got hacked.
— Mary E. Winstead (@M_E_Winstead) August 31, 2014
Actress and musician Winstead has also confirmed that the leaked photos are legitimate.
“Knowing those photos were deleted long ago, I can only imagine the creepy effort that went into this. Feeling for everyone who got hacked. To those of you looking at photos I took with my husband years ago in the privacy of our home, hope you feel great about yourselves,” she wrote on Twitter Sunday.
The hacker claims to have more photos and videos, and has offered to release more in exchange for money, the Huffington Post reports.
