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Topics: Celebrity
Claire Reid
Topics: Celebrity
Willow Shields has shared an intimate photo of herself on Instagram in an attempt to ‘take back control’ after someone blackmailed her over the snap.
The 22-year-old Spinning Out star shared a naked photo of herself on the social media platform and told her followers that she was being ‘extorted’ so had decided to take the power back from her blackmailers.
In the photo, Willow can be seen standing naked in front of a mirror with one arm covering her chest.
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Sharing the image, she explained: "I’m being blackmailed and extorted for nude photos of myself, something private that was never meant to be shared with the whole world.
"I’m taking back the control and sharing it with you first.
"Here’s the photo they emailed and attached threatening to share with my friends, family, and the internet. They claim to have many more 'less tame' photos to use against me.
"I will not let someone else make choices involving my own body, I will not allow someone to have power over me."
She went on to say that the authorities were already aware of the blackmailer’s actions.
“I’ve already reported this person and case to the FBI and I sincerely hope they take the investigation seriously and follow through with this crime,” she went on.
“I also share this because I know how many other people are affected daily by revenge porn, and nude leaks, that are carried out by hackers and criminals in an effort to break down body, and mind, both deeply vulnerable. I understand and I’m sorry it exists.
“I will not stand for any slut shaming, this is my body, and I will share it with whomever I choose.”
After sharing the snap with her 890,000 followers, Willow was flooded with messages of support and well-wishes.
One fan wrote: “I’m so so so sorry this is happening to you. I applauded your approach to owning your power and not allowing another to take it from you. Have always been a massive fan, and now even more so. Solidarity sis.”
Another said: “Shame on them. But no shame to you! Keep up that mindset, you deserve to be respected and have privacy.”
A third person commented: “Love the way you’ve taken the power back - but simultaneously hate that you’ve had to and that someone has done this. I’m sending so much love queen.”
While someone else said: “I’m so so sorry about this happening to you. We stand with you!”