AFL nude photos leaked: Integrity Unit announces investigation
The AFL Integrity Unit has launched an investigation into a leaked Google Drive containing nude photos of more than 45 current or former AFL players.
The images of the file, which was shared on social media on Wednesday evening, have since been removed.
Who is in the leaked nude photos?
As the photos have currently been removed, it is not known who was involved in the data breach.
The document is said to have included folders labeled alphabetically with more than 45 AFL players, as well as numerous graphic screenshots, videos and photos.
Several Premier and top players are said to have appeared in the leak.
How were the nude photos leaked?
The nude photos of the AFL players were shared on social media via Google Drive on Wednesday.
The AFL released a statement showing the leak was shared anonymously and may have been planned by one or more people.
“The images were distributed by one or more anonymous individuals and it is alleged that the files contain private and personal images of past and current AFL players. However, it is important to note that many of the images have yet to be verified for identification,” the league said in a statement.
AFL Statement
An AFL spokesman said several clubs asked the Integrity Unit for help following the leak.
“The AFL has been made aware that private and personal images of past and current AFL players have been illegally distributed and shared without consent after being contacted by a number of AFL clubs,” the spokesman said Herald Sun.
The AFL Integrity Unit (AFLIU) contacted several police forces and the eSafety Commissioner as it began investigating the photo scandal.
“While the AFL understands that there may be significant interest in this update, they wish to reiterate that the images have been shared illegally and without consent,” the AFL spokesman said.
“The AFL asks everyone to respect the rights and privacy of players, past and present, whose personal images have been illegally shared without their consent or authorization.
AFLIU has contacted the eSafety officer and is working closely with eSafety to remove the images as soon as possible.
“The AFL has also brought the situation to the attention of relevant law enforcement agencies.”
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AFLPA Statement
Paul Marsh, executive director of the AFL Players’ Association, called the data breach “unacceptable” and “an appalling and heinous act”.
Marsh also added that some of the leaked photos may be illegal.
“The AFL Players’ Association is aware that the AFL is investigating a collection of explicit images circulated by former and current players without their consent,” he said in a statement Wednesday night.
“While it is important to note that some of the images may not be legitimate, this is an appalling and heinous act and likely an unlawful invasion of privacy that is unacceptable.”
“We ask the public to take this matter seriously, not to seek out or share any of these photos, and to respect the rights and privacy of those affected.
“We will support our affected members through our legal and healthcare services. This is now a matter for the police and we will continue to assist if necessary.”
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AFL players’ reactions to the photos scandal
A player who appeared in the leak told him Herald Sun that he and his teammates were “really disappointed”.
“It’s a gross invasion of privacy. It’s just not fair,” he added.
Former Geelong midfielder Jimmy Bartel described the situation as “disgusting” and hopes the perpetrator will be caught.
“It’s disgusting — most of the images are fake, made up, staged,” he said 3AW breakfast.
“It’s someone who’s scruffy and hopefully gets caught. This is now a criminal matter.”