With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
FBI Announces Probe of Celebrity Nude Hacking Ring, After Naked ScarJo Pics Show Up On the Internet
The FBI announced today that it was investigating a ring of hackers believed to have targeted the personal e-mail accounts and cell phones of more than 50 female celebrities. This announcement came just hours after nude photos from Scarlett Johansson's cell phone surfaced on the internet.
The FBI is not saying which celebrities have been victimized, but sources with TMZ confirmed that Johansson has been in touch with the FBI about the photos.
Other celebrities who are believed to be victims of this hacking ring, include Miley Cyrus, Jessica Alba, Demi Lovato, Ali Larter, Christina Aguilera and Vanessa Hudgens. Hudgens went to the FBI in March, TMZ reported.
"The FBI is investigating the person or groups responsible for the computer intrusion of high-profile figures in Los Angeles," spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said.
Sponsored message
The feds have been cracking down hard on hacking recently. A Santa Ana man who hacked into the computers of more than 100 women — none of them celebrities — and shared nude photos and extorted them was handed a 6-year sentence in prison.
At LAist, we focus on what matters to our community: clear, fair, and transparent reporting that helps you make decisions with confidence and keeps powerful institutions accountable.
Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
