Over the weekend, Iggy Azalea was faced with an issue that nobody should have the misfortune of dealing with, when nude photos of her, which originated from a 2016 GQ cover shoot, were leaked online. Since then, Azalea decided to deactivate her social media accounts, but before she did, she shared a statement about the situation yesterday evening.
In the note, she wrote that she is “surprised,” “angry,” “blindsided, embarrassed, violated, angry, sad, and a million other things,” both because the photos leaked and due to how people online, “men in particular,” have reacted to the photos.
“If you’ve ever been humiliated before in front of family and those you care about, maybe you can relate to what I’m doing through,” she wrote. “It’s like a nuclear bomb that exploded and not only destroys you emotionally, but leaves a path of destruction in your personal life, affecting your relationships and people who matter most too.”
Furthermore, she wrote that she is intent “on finding out where the leak originated from and pressing criminal charges in regard to this.”
The photographer who took the photos, Nino Munoz, has spoken out about the situation as well, and he wrote that the photos were “stolen and published without my permission.” He added that an investigation is underway, and wrote, “My heart goes out to anyone this situation has affected. I’m utterly outraged and will not rest until justice is served.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx-1sJYBm5d/
Read Azalea’s full message below.
“Recently some outtakes from my 2016 GQ magazine cover were leaked to the public. A lot of high profile women have shot covers for GQ with a strategically placed hand etc covering their breasts etc. I always felt they were very beautiful covers, so I jumped at the opportunity.
I hadn’t seen other women’s covers leak so I felt comfortable (on a closed set) to model for such a reputable magazine knowing only the images with my hands covering would be considered for print. I never consented to taking topless pictures for potential release, period. It was my understanding BEFORE shooting, GQ does not print topless pictures.
There was no reason for anyone to have kept the outtakes from the shoot. I’m surprised and angry that they were not immediately deleted after the final images were selected.
Today Im a ball of negative emotions.
I feel blindsided, embarrassed, violated, angry, sad, and a million other things. Not solely because I did not consent to this — but also because of the vile way people have reacted. A lot of the comments I see from men in particular taking things even further and sharing their thoughts and fantasies in regards to my body has honestly disturbed me. The outright wicked things people say is overwhelming & makes me feel like throwing up.
If you’ve ever been humiliated before in front of family & those you care about maybe you can relate to what I’m doing through. It’s like a nuclear bomb that exploded and not only destroys you emotionally, but leaves a path of destruction in your personal life, effecting your relationships & people who matter most too.
I fully intend on finding out where the leak originated from and pressing criminal charges in regard to this. It’s important to me that someone actually be held accountable for their actions & the way it impacts my life.
I don’t feel there is any where I can retreat to or that I have a ‘happy place’ I can wait in until it all blows over. Please think of how you might feel if the show was yours to wear. I have seen some really vicious shit written in the last 24 hours and It is too much negativity for me to handle. for now it’s best to keep me accounts deactivated.
Please be kinder to one another.”
https://twitter.com/Pop_Alarms/status/1133137211560382466
