AFL investigating as 45 players caught up in nude picture collection

The distribution of nude and graphic images of more than 45 players has been slammed as “grubby” and a “gross breach of privacy” as the source of the leak is probed.

The collection includes photos and videos claiming to be of past AFL legends and present stars. Picture: Stock image

The leaking of nude and graphic images of more than 45 AFL players has been slammed as “grubby” and “a gross breach of privacy”.

The AFL has launched an investigation into the shocking collection of images, first revealed by the Herald Sun on Wednesday.

The file had been widely shared across social media but by Thursday morning the images had been removed from the Google drive.

But one of the names embroiled in the scandal said he had spoken to several other players who were also “really disappointed”.

“It’s a gross breach of privacy. It’s just not fair,” he told the Herald Sun.

Brownlow Medallist Jimmy Bartel slammed the actions of the person behind the leak as “disgusting”.

“It’s gross – a majority of images are fake, made up, staged,” he said on 3AW Breakfast.

“It’s someone grubby who will hopefully get caught.

“This is a criminal matter now.”

A screen shot of the list of AFL players being shared online.

AFL Players Association chief executive Paul Marsh also hit out at the sharing of the images as an “appalling and disgusting act”.

“The AFL Players’ Association is aware of the AFL investigating a collection of explicit images that have been distributed of past and present players without their consent,” Marsh said in a statement on Wednesday night.

“While it is important to note that some of the images may not be legitimate, this is an appalling and disgusting act and a likely unlawful breach of privacy that is unacceptable.

“We ask the public to treat this matter seriously by not seeking out or sharing any of these photos and respecting the rights and privacy of those impacted.

“We will support our impacted members through our legal and wellbeing services. This is now a police matter, and we will continue to assist as necessary.”

The file, listed in alphabetical order by player names, shows collections of photos, screenshots and videos claiming to be of past AFL legends and present stars, including Brownlow medallists, across various social networking and dating platforms.

Jimmy Bartel has slammed the leaking of nude photos as ‘grubby’. Picture: AAP

The Herald Sun can reveal a number of clubs began contacting the AFL when the images started circulating online.

“The AFL has been made aware of private and personal images of past and present AFL players being distributed and shared illegally and without consent after being contacted by a number of AFL clubs,” a spokesman told the Herald Sun.

“The images have been circulated by an anonymous person/s and it is alleged the files feature private and personal images of past and present AFL players however it is important to note that many of the images are yet to be verified for identification.”

The Google drive link lists more than 45 current and past footballers, including premiership players.

Each player’s name is accompanied by a folder of explicit, graphic photos and images purportedly of them.

“There appears to have been significant work involved in gathering the images and creating files for distribution,” the AFL spokesman said.

“The AFL has no information regarding why the personal images have been circulated illegally and without consent or what the motive is in doing so.”

The AFL integrity Unit (AFLIU) had been working closely with the eSafety Commissioner for at least 15 hours to get the images removed by Wednesday evening.

It has also alerted police across multiple states.

“While the AFL understands there may be great interest in this update, it wishes to reinforce the images have been shared illegally and without consent,” the AFL spokesman said.

“The AFL asks everyone to please respect the rights and privacy of those past and present players who have had personal images illegally shared without their consent or approval.

“AFLIU has contacted the eSafety Commissioner and is working closely with eSafety to have the images removed as soon as possible.

“The AFL has also made the relevant law enforcement agencies aware of the situation.”

Victoria Police said the force was aware of the images.

“Victoria Police is aware of explicit images being circulated online of athletes,” a statement said.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said: “Our thoughts are with anyone who has been impacted by image-based abuse”.

“Sharing intimate images without a person’s consent is a criminal act,” Ms Rowland said.

“Under the Online Safety Act, the eSafety Commissioner has powers to issue a ‘removal notice’ to perpetrators and the platforms that host the material.

“They must remove those images from the internet within 24 hours, and if they do not comply they face a penalty of up to $687,500.”

A spokesman from the eSafety Commissioner’s office said they were “aware of the situation”.

“(We are) working closely with the AFL and AFL Integrity Unit to offer any assistance we can.”

While video, images and screenshots of private messages are clearly identifiable, showing the face, or tattoos, of players the Herald Sun has chosen not to name any players.

Some of the graphic images are completely unidentifiable.

The Herald Sun has not verified the authenticity of any images and is not suggesting any AFL players have done anything wrong.