Police probing topless photo of woman wearing Richmond Premiership medal

RICHMOND says it is determined to create an environment for women to thrive, as police probe a Tiger player over a topless photo scandal.

The person who sent the images could be charged under “sexting” laws. Picture: Greg FordAFL Media

RICHMOND says it is determined to create an environment for women to thrive, as police probe a Tiger player over a topless photo scandal.

Police are investigating a Richmond player over the circulation of a picture showing a young woman wearing his AFL Premiership medal.

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The woman has claimed she is a victim of revenge porn after the images of her topless were widely circulated online and through text messages without her permission or knowledge.

Richmond released a statement saying it was determined to create an inclusive club.

“The Club is aware of a photo that has been circulating on social media,” the statement read.

“As the matter is subject to a police investigation we will fully assist with their enquiries, should they be required.

“At the Richmond Football Club we feel very strongly about the positive role of women at our Club and in sport generally.

“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.”

Another picture of a woman outside Punt Rd.

The Herald Sun can confirm the AFL Integrity Unit is investigating the leaked photo and has been dealing with the woman for several days.

It can be revealed while the female consented to the photo being taken, the Richmond player told her it had been deleted from his phone.

But instead, he kept the picture and sent it out to his friendship circle.

The story was broken exclusively on heraldsun.com.au at 7.15pm yesterday.

Victoria Police said in a statement: “Yarra Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating an image distributed on social media. The image was posted without consent. As the investigation is ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

The person who sent the images could be charged under “sexting” laws where adults who send intimate images without the consent of the other person face charges.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of up to two years in prison.

The photo emerged last week and was taken after Richmond’s triumphant Grand Final win over Adelaide sparking wild celebrations across the city.

The bare-breasted woman has also engaged lawyers to represent her during the process.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane refused to comment on the incident.

“We don’t have any statement to provide you,” Mr Keane said.

Richmond president Peggy O’Neal, the league’s first female club president, said an investigation into the leaked photos would likely occur and described it as “terrible judgment”.

“If it turns out that it is disrespectful to women, we certainly don’t stand for that. That’s not what our club’s about and if someone has made a disrespectful and humiliating gesture, then of course it will be taken into account,” she told ABC.

“That isn’t what we’re about, it isn’t what the AFL’s about. I think that our club has shown it’s for equality, it’s for inclusiveness, and it wants to promote women.”

The identity of the Richmond player who took the photo while the woman wore his medal has not been revealed.

A second photo has also emerged online showing another woman posing nude outside Tigers HQ baring the Richmond logo on it.

The Richmond Football Club on Tuesday night declined to comment on the police probe.

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