Back in September of 2007, former Disney star Vanessa Hudgens' life changed when a hacker leaked private nude pictures of her online.
The actress and singer was just 18-years-old at the time, and even provided a statement to E! News apologizing to her fans for even taking the pictures to begin with, saying:
"I want to apologize to my fans, whose support and trust mean the world to me. I am embarrassed over this situation and regret having ever taken these photos. I am thankful for the support of my family and friends."
Hudgens, now 31, has reflected on the "really f--ked up" ordeal she went through and revealed why she originally took the blame for it.
In a candid interview with Cosmopolitan UK, the High School Musical star said: "It was a really traumatizing thing for me. It's really f***ed up that people feel like they are entitled enough to share something that personal with the world. As an actor, you completely lose all grip of your own privacy and it's really sad."
Hudgens continued:
"It feels like that shouldn't be the case, but unfortunately, if enough people are interested, they're going to do everything they can to get to know as much about you as they can, which is flattering, I guess, but then people take it too far and end up divulging things that should be personal.
"I think that is because there's a disconnect when you see your favorite actress on the screen, and you see them now on your TV in your homes, and you can watch them whenever you want. There's almost - I don't want to say lack of respect because that sounds negative - but it just makes you feel like you know them even though you don't."
Hudgens still loves to dance, but her dog was left a little confused by these moves:But now, Hudgens says she had learned to stand her ground, saying:
"I have been talked to in ways that are not appropriate. I have been in situations where I've been talked to in inappropriate ways, but right then, in that moment, I was the person to just say, 'No. Why would you say that? You're completely out of line'.
"I'm the type of person in any situation, whether it's an audition or in work, if I feel uncomfortable, I'm going to walk away or let that person know they're making me feel uncomfortable. Then, if they don't respect that, they can go F-off. If someone doesn't like that, literally they can f**k off.
"As long as you hold your ground, no one will bring you down."
The Spring Breaker star also revealed how she is now an advocate for herself, and encouraged others to be true to themselves:
"I've always been a big advocate of being true to yourself. Not everyone is going to like that - well, good.
"That makes you an individual. That makes you unique. And if we're all the same, what's the point? It's important to look out for each other, especially in this industry, and realize it's tough. It's hard enough. Nobody needs to make it harder."
