A police investigation is currently underway after a woman claimed topless images of her wearing a 2017 AFL premiership medal were circulated without her consent.
The news came as a shock to Richmond Tigers president Peggy O’Neal who was alerted to the investigation before appearing on ABC’s Q&A program.
“I’m just not across the facts because it’s just been brought to my attention very recently within the last few hours, but I understand that something’s going on,” she said on the show.
“If it turns out that it is disrespect to women, we don’t stand for that, that’s not what our club’s about.”
The woman at the centre of the controversy is reportedly claiming the images were circulated as a form of revenge pornography.
The Richmond Football Club is currently assisting police with their inquiries.
“We feel very strongly about the positive role of women at our club and in sport generally,” the statement said.
“We are committed to creating an environment where women can thrive and we are dedicated to promoting attitudes and behaviours that are respectful and supportive of women.
“As this is now a police matter it would be inappropriate for the club to make any further comment at this time.”
The AFL Integrity Unit is also investigating.
If the investigation finds that images were sent without consent, ‘sexting’ charges could be laid.
J.T. Delacroix
Guest
Yes, of course. What other defamatory, baseless, garbage have you got locked away, "Matto"? You're obviously in your element now.....
Matto
Guest
After studying the non-sensored version extensively. It's my belief the image was not cropped. Her face was not the intended subject of the photo and so left out... Most chicks will make sure you don't include any identifying features like their face... I've heard. Poor girl having the whole of australia see it when it was intended for one bloke. Doubt this to is the last thing to come out of Richmond's off season tho.
Joe B
Guest
Kane, that rumour you heard, and are now propagating, sounds exactly like an attempt to blame the victim... but you have taken it further, and actually blamed the victim based on a story that you may have even made up yourself.
Birdman
Guest
latest reportage is that the Instagram image was of and posted by a different woman.
Birdman
Guest
the sending of the image by the player is in the public domain, Kane and ostensibly the reason the police are investigating. The rumour that she posted it to Instagram is just that - a rumour.
Daz
Roar Pro
I think this is actually a big part of the issue. I first saw the cropped/censored image on a news website last week I think. News/media outlets should be considered responsible for continuing to show and share these type of images. It's now a crime in Victoria to share sexual images without consent (express or implied) so that should extend to those who share images that they claim are in "public interest".
Kane
Guest
Yes i heard. Just like you "heard that a player sent it to his mates". Rumours and innuendo
Birdman
Guest
I heard? maybe that what some ppl want to believe? If that 'claim' had credibility I doubt the police would be involved. and even if true, it doesn't excuse the player who allegedly sent it to his mates without consent implied or otherwise.
Macca
Guest
If true that would explain why the face was cropped out of the shot,
Kane
Guest
I heard that she posted it on to her page (not sure if it's Facebook or Instagram or whatever) and someone spotted it and copied it before she deleted it. If this is true then what does she expect.
Kane
Guest
I heard that she posted it on to her page (not sure if it's Facebook or Instagram or whatever) and someone spotted it and copied it before she deleted it. If this is true then what does she expect.
Mattician6x6
Guest
I'm aware I just find nonsense that its being shown at all, report the story fine but as most ppl are aware what a pair of breasts look like as well as a premiership medal is the pic necessary? If the young lady is upset enough to engage the police regardless of whether it is censored or not the mass circulation of this image would be causing untold damage which could be easily avoided.
Cat
Roar Guru
The image is censored when used by the media.
Mattician6x6
Guest
What happens to all the news services that are using the image with an article about a young woman's rights were violated?