Image: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Exactly one year ago today Ryan Collins — one of the hackers involved in the celebrity iCloud nude photo leaks known as “the Fappening” — was charged with violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Today, more alleged intimate photos of actresses are being circulated online, and this time Emma Watson and Amanda Seyfried are among the targets.
As was the case with the first of these mass leaks in 2014, 4chan has been a primary vehicle for disseminating links to the photo sets. A spokesperson for Watson confirmed to The Daily Mail that several non-nude photos from a clothes fitting were stolen from the actress, but denied nude photos had been taken. Nude photos posted on 4chan alongside those of Watson trying on clothes do not show the woman’s face or other identifying features.
Watson was an outspoken opponent of the invasive Fappening leaks. Following a speech as the Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women, Watson was also targeted through the creation of a site called “Emma You Are Next,” which threatened to release nude photos of the actress. Originally thought to be the work of 4chan users, the whole episode was later revealed to be a hoax.*
Threads on 4chan also linked to photo sets which claim to contain nude pictures or videos of Amanda Seyfried, Alyssa Arce, Jillian Murray, Analeigh Tipton, Rhona Mitra, and Iliza Shlesinger. Some of these threads are being removed by moderators while others remain active.
No one has stepped forward to take credit for the leaks and it is unknown if a similar exploit to the 2014 Fappening was used to illegally gain access to them. In a statement, a Watson spokesperson said, “Lawyers have been instructed and we are not commenting further.” Seyfried’s management has not commented.
Correction: This post originally identified the website “Emma You Are Next” as the work of 4chan users and today’s leak as a possible fulfillment of that threat. In fact, the site was later revealed to be part of an internet hoax.