Willow Shields has taken to social media to share a nude selfie of herself - but she's told fans that it isn't by choice.
The 22-year-old actress - perhaps best known for her role as Primrose Everdeen in the The Hunger Games movie series - took to Instagram on Sunday to post the revealing selfie.
In the pic, she can be seen posing in front of a mirror while not wearing anything.
However, writing to her 880,000 followers, she explained that she was "being blackmailed and extorted for nude photos of myself".
She said the photos were "something private that was never meant to be shared with the whole world".
However, expanding on her decision to share the image, she wrote: "I’m taking back the control and sharing it with you first. Here’s the photo they emailed and attached threatening to share with my friends, family, and the internet. They claim to have many more 'less tame' photos to use against me."
"I will not let someone else make choices involving my own body," she continued. "I will not allow someone to have power over me."
The Spinning Out star continued: "I’ve already reported this person and case to the FBI and I sincerely hope they take the investigation seriously and follow through with this crime."
She also wanted to share the image as a sign of support for others affected by "revenge porn, and nude leaks, that are carried out by hackers and criminals in an effort to break down body, and mind, both deeply vulnerable."
"I understand and I’m sorry it exists," she added. "I will not stand for any slut shaming, this is my body, and I will share it with whomever I choose."
Shields' post has since amassed more than 70,000 likes, and she has been flooded with praise in the comments section.
"Shame on them. But no shame to you! Keep up that mindset, you deserve to be respected and have privacy," one fan wrote.
A second added: "I remember when Jennifer's [Lawrence] photos were leaked when she was pretty much the same age, almost 10 years ago. It's sick that this is still an issue."
A third supporter wrote: "You are absolutely beautiful Willow. You're doing an incredible thing here, do not let anyone tell you differently."
"It’s awful that hackers try to blackmail you by sharing intimate photos of your body and attempt to exploit you," a fourth added. "I hope you get justice against this hacker and that they’ll be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The FBI needs to crack down hard against these hackers."
If you are going through a similar issue, reach out to law enforcement for help. You can call the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative's crisis hotline at 844-878-CCRI (2274).
