Anger as ‘tawdry’ pictures11 of England sportswomen are leaked on to WhatsApp

PRIVATE photographs of female sports stars have been leaked and are being circulated on social media just days after the Lionesses’ Euros victory over Germany.

Naked and risque pictures of high-achieving women, including one competing in the Commonwealth Games, are being shared on WhatsApp without their consent.

Another of the stars is a footballer who plays in the Women’s Super League, while a third is a wellknown former Lioness.

There are also others who are unidentifiable but appear to be either team-mates or friends of the well-known faces.

All photographs have been taken in private areas that appear to be hotel rooms and shower areas.

The pictures began circulating in the run-up to last Sunday’s 2-1 Euro

‘It reminds us that we are still objectified’

final victory at Wembley, in which Chloe Kelly scored the winning goal for England.

It is not known how they became public, but they have been bundled together to embarrass the women – all of whom have won trophies.

One person who received the pictures said: ‘They all came together just before the Euro final.

‘It is an obvious attempt to undermine the successes of women’s sport, which has become so successful recently.

‘It’s sad that someone decided to start this during the Euros when the Lionesses have done so well.’

Caroline Nokes, chairwoman of the Commons’ Women and Equalities Committee, lambasted those sharing the photographs, which she said undermined the huge success women’s sport was enjoying.

The Conservative MP said: ‘When you’re in the middle of competing on the sporting stage you should be able to focus on what you’re doing, not have to put up with this sexist behaviour.

‘When our female sports stars are demonstrating that they are outperforming men, they should not have to put up with this tawdry objectification. We have made such massive progress with equality, yet when push comes to shove it reminds us that we are still repeatedly objectified. Still, they are talked about not for what they’ve achieved but for how they look.’

WhatsApp is popular for sharing photos due to how easy it is to forward content on. But the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 makes it an offence to share a private sexual photograph or footage if the disclosure is made without consent and with the intention of causing distress – although charges are rarely brought.