If you're thinking of filing for divorce in Pasadena and you've ever posed for racy photos or filmed a sexy show for your ex, it's important to be aware of the growing problem of revenge porn. Thanks to a handful of websites that specialize in helping vengeful exes humiliate their former lovers, it's possible to wake up one morning and find that your photos or videos have reached an entirely different audience than what you intended.
Having someone post your likeness without your permission is unacceptable. Owners of revenge porn sites have tried telling victims that they are out of luck as long as they were over 18 years of age when the photos were taken. This is simply not true. If you've been affected by this atrocious behavior, you have options.
Hollie Toups was shocked to learn that her private photos ended up online after a nasty breakup with her boyfriend. The photos appeared with her Facebook profile link and real name, making it easy for visitors to find her. In January 2013, Toups led other victimized women in a class action lawsuit against Texxxan.com, as well as its host, GoDaddy. They are seeking monetary damages as well as the removal of the website.
Holly Jacobs, another victim of revenge porn, recently told Huffington Post reporters that she was pursuing legal action against her ex-boyfriend for distributing her nude photos. She is suing him for invasion of privacy, public disclosure of private facts, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Her ex has also been charged with one count of stalking, one count of unlawful publication, and two counts of harassment by use of personal identification information.
Since this type of behavior is a relatively new problem, it's best to meet with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options. Do not provide your credit card information to a revenge porn website in the hopes of getting your photos taken down. This is a common tactic sites use to extort money from upset women and does not guarantee that any action will be taken to remove your photos.
How Can We Help?
Please call our office at (626) 683-8113 or email us at info@PasadenaLawOffice.com if you have questions about any harassing or threatening behavior from your ex. Our experienced Pasadena family law attorneys can help you decide the most appropriate course of action for your particular situation.