Iggy Azalea is taking some much needed time away from the spotlight after nude photos of her were leaked online over the weekend.
The "Sally Walker" rapper addressed the images, which were outtakes from a 2016 GQ photoshoot that were never meant to be shown to the public, in a lengthy statement on Twitter Monday (May 27) before announcing her departure from social media.
"Recently some outtakes from my 2016 GQ magazine cover were leaked to the public," she wrote. "A lot of high profile women have shot covers for GQ with a strategically placed hand etc covering their breasts etc. I always felt they were very beautiful covers, so I jumped at the opportunity.
"I hadn’t seen other women’s covers leak so I felt comfortable (on a closed set) to model for such a reputable magazine knowing only the images with my hands covering would be considered for print," she continued. "I never consented to taking topless pictures for potential release, period. It was my understanding BEFORE shooting, GQ do not print topless pictures."
"There was no reason for anyone to have kept the outtakes from the shoot," she added. "I’m surprised and angry that they were not immediately deleted after the final images were selected."
Iggy went on to discuss her mental state, saying she's "a ball of negative emotions," and feels "blindsided, embarrassed, violated, angry, sad, and a million other things." Adding that she's been "disturbed" by the way "people have reacted," "men in particular," by "sharing their thoughts and fantasies in regards to my body."
"If you've ever been humiliated before in front of family & those you care about maybe you can relate to what I'm going through," Iggy continued. "It's like a nuclear bomb that explodes and not only destroys you emotionally, but leaves a path of destruction in your personal life, effecting your relationships & people who matter most too."
The 28-year-old rapper then detailed her plans to pursue legal action. "I fully intended on finding out where the leak originated from and pressing criminal charges in regards to this. It’s important to me that someone actually be held accountable for their actions & the way it impacts my life," she wrote. "I don't feel there is any where I can retreat to or that I have a 'Happy place' I can wait un until it all blows over. Please think of how you might feel if the show was yours to wear. I have seen some really vicious sh*t written in the last 24 hours and it is too much negativity to handle. For now it's best to keep my accounts deactivated. Please be kinder to one another."
While GQ has yet to comment on the photo leak, the photographer Nino Munoz released a statement on social media saying he is "outraged and saddened" to find out that images of his "were stolen and published" without his permission. "There is currently an investigation underway," he added. "Posting these stolen image is illegal and anyone who has done so will be prosecuted. I [empathize] with anyone that is involved."
Nino additionally captioned his IG statement: "My heart goes out to anyone this situation has affected. I’m utterly outraged and will not rest until justice is served."
Photo: Getty Images