William and Kate – Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Kate Middleton’s topless photo scandal has rocked the royal palace, which swiftly announced it will be filing a lawsuit against Closer for publishing the shocking pics.
But the palace isn’t the only one taking drastic steps: In a notable turn of events, Closer’s brand owner Bauer Media, has come forward to denounce the tabloid’s decision to run the images and hints that the title’s future with the publishing group could be on shaky ground.
“We have complained in the strongest terms to the licensee of Closer France over the publication by them of photographs of their Royal Highnesses, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge,” Bauer Media chief executive Paul Keenan said in a statement posted on Closer’s website.
Royals file lawsuit against tabloid for publishing Kate Middleton topless pics
“We deplore the publication of these intrusive and offensive pictures and have asked that Closer France takes these pictures down immediately from its website and desist from publishing any further pictures. Bauer Media and Closer UK regards publication of these photographs as a gross intrusion of their Royal Highnesses’ privacy.”
Bauer Media also claims it had no knowledge of the photos or the magazine’s plan to publish them, noting that “we have absolutely no control over the editorial decisions of Closer France. In the light of their publication, we are now urgently discussing this matter with our licensee and reviewing the terms of our licence agreement with Closer France.”
The tabloid’s editor, on the other hand, had earlier defended their use of the photos, explaining that “they show a young woman sunbathing topless, like the millions of women you see on beaches” and insisting that “one shouldn’t dramatize these pictures…The reaction has been a little disproportionate.”
{source: Eonline}
Photographer’s spot
Scene of the crime: Royals confirm legal action against French mag as we reveal spot where long-lens photo of topless Kate was taken
- It is understood the Royal couple’s aim in launching legal proceedings is to prevent further use of the images and to seek damages
- Photograph emerges showing the position where photographer is believed to have taken the controversial pictures – half a mile from chateau
- Couple are ‘very angered’ and say a ‘red line has been crossed’
- St James’s Palace confirm the couple have launched legal proceedings against publisher
- Website also showed image of the front cover with Duchess in a bikini
- Pictures taken while Kate was on French holiday with William
- Two U.S. celebrity gossip websites also showing topless pictures
- France has some of the strictest privacy laws in the world
- Closer France editor said Prince Harry would feel ‘less alone’
- ‘These photos are not in the least shocking,’ Laurence Pieau added.
Concerned Prince and his Princess
“Their Royal Highnesses have been hugely saddened to learn that a French publication and a photographer have invaded their privacy in such a grotesque and totally unjustifiable manner,” their office at St James’s Palace said.
“The incident is reminiscent of the worst excesses of the press and paparazzi during the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, and all the more upsetting to The Duke and Duchess for being so.”
Later, the royal family confirmed that “legal proceedings for breach of privacy have been commenced in France by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge against the publishers of Closer Magazine France”.
Britain’s Prince William and Catherine feel that a “red line has been crossed” [Reuters]
