MADISON, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin athletic department says it has contacted UW-Madison police to investigate who may have leaked private photos and video of members of the women’s volleyball team without their consent.
A statement released by the athletic department Wednesday evening said officials are aware that photos and video of the women “that were never intended to be shared publicly” are being passed around the Internet.
“The unauthorized sharing is a significant and wrongful invasion of the student-athletes’ privacy, including potential violations of university policies and criminal statutes,” the statement from the athletic department said.
Officials at the athletic department say they contacted the UW-Madison Police Department once the women were alerted the photos and video were being shared. The athletic department said Tuesday that UWPD is investigating multiple potential crimes as a result, including the sharing of sensitive photos without consent.
Statement from UW Athletics pic.twitter.com/M2lK2OYg8a
— Wisconsin Badgers (@UWBadgers) October 19, 2022
UWPD spokesperson Marc Lovicott confirmed to News 3 Now Wednesday evening his department is investigating but did not provide further details citing the open investigation.
The athletic department said no members of the team are being investigated for wrongdoing.
“Our top priority is supporting our student-athletes and we are providing them with the appropriate services and resources,” the athletic department said.
Wisconsin state law prohibits the sharing of sensitive photos or recordings of someone without their consent, making it a Class A misdemeanor.
UWPD is asking anyone with information to call them at 608-264-2677.
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