Naked Photo Leaks: Sex Scandal or Crime?

The dictionary definition of a scandal is a damage to reputation; public disgrace while that one of a crime is an action or an instance of negligence that is deemed injurious to the public welfare or morals or to the interests of the state and that is legally prohibited (DictionaryReference.com). Regarding the recent occurrence in some celebrities' lives, like Kate Upton, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lawrence etc., every individual (at least those who have heard about it) has made judgment on the situation, including Scott Mendelson who wrote an entire article on what to make of the situation. Mendelson refutes with People and CNN's conclusion that this is just a scandal by counter arguing that, " The actresses and musicians involved did nothing immoral or legally wrong by choosing to take nude pictures of themselves and put them on their personal cell phones." He continues, "...It (the act of stealing said property) is a crime of theft with the intent to exploit its victims as punishment for the unpardonable sin of being female" (Forbes.com). Mendelson basically writes that this situation shouldn't be treated as just a damage to a celebrity's reputation but rather taken measures upon what it is; a crime.

Taking into consideration Mendelson's argument and based upon my morals, I agree with his argument that individuals should terminate poking fun at the situation these celebrities tragically found themselves in. In his article, Mendelson's states that everyone has the right to store such pictures of themselves (or anyone) anywhere but it might not be a good idea. I think it's a bad idea also especially if you are going to store it in something electronic because due to the generation we live in, it's very easy to obtain such files. In the wake of this occurrence, every author is expressing their opinion and recommendation online and I came across articles that were stating that one of the victims, Jennifer Lawrence might be associated with a sex tape leak which is soon to follow her naked photo leak (Jennifer Lawrence 'Naked Sex Video' Leak Next). Another claims that this whole situation will not affect the victims' careers (Why Photo Scandal Won't Hurt Their Careers). I find it pitiful that there are individuals in this world who would prioritize the victims' career in situation like this instead of worrying about how authorities are going to handle this situation to make sure it doesn't happen again. In conclusion, individuals should take the matter of leaked naked pictures, not only of celebrities but those of civilians, more seriously in the sense that they should first stop calling it a scandal and address it as it is; a crime!