FBI Opens Investigation Over Leaked Nude Photos Of Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton, Other Celebrities

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation is actively investigating hacks that resulted in the leak of hundreds of celebrity nude photos, including those of model Kate Upton, "Hunger Games" actress Jennifer Lawrence and Nickelodeon star Victoria Justice. The Los Angeles Times reported Monday the federal law enforcement agency confirmed its involvement in the investigation.

“The FBI is aware of the allegations concerning computer intrusions and the unlawful release of material involving high profile individuals, and is addressing the matter,” Laura Eimiller, spokesperson for the FBI in Los Angeles, told the Times.

The photos, which were posted to the 4chan image board and social media site Reddit, took the attention of the Internet Sunday evening, with actress Jennifer Lawrence garnering more than 5 million searches on Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL). Searches for actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead followed closely behind along with searches for “The Fappening,” a nickname given to the massive leak.

Several celebrities have confirmed the legitimacy of a number of photos published in the leak, including photos published of Winstead and Lawrence. Lawrence’s publicist told Buzzfeed she intends to pursue legal action against anyone posting the stolen photos. Upton’s publicist issued a similar statement.

Winstead took a different approach, taking to Twitter (NYSE:TWTR) to condemn the leaks.

The Daily Mail reports that one of the hackers allegedly involved in the hack may be on the run.