Willow Shields, known for playing Primrose Everdeen in “The Hunger Games” series, recently shared a personal photo on Instagram to reclaim control after being blackmailed. In April 2023, someone threatened to leak her private nude photos.
In a brave decision, Willow posted one of the photos herself on Instagram. Along with the photo, she explained her situation: “I’m being blackmailed and extorted for nude photos of myself, something private that was never meant to be shared with the whole world. I’m taking back 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. I will not allow someone to have power over me.”
Willow reported the blackmailer to the FBI, hoping they would take serious action. She shared her story to highlight the issue of revenge porn and nude leaks that affect many people. She said, “I also share this because I know how many other people are affected daily by revenge porn and nude leaks. I understand and I’m sorry it exists. I will not stand for any shaming. This is my body, and I will share it with whomever I choose.”
Willow’s courage received a lot of support from her 800,000 followers. Fans commented with messages of solidarity, praising her bravery. One fan wrote, “We stand with you, Willow, and I am so sorry this is happening to you.” Another said, “I applaud your approach to owning your power and not allowing another to take it from you. Have always been a massive fan, and now even more so.”
Bella Thorne, another star who faced a similar situation, also reached out: “Right now! I worked with the FBI too on something very similar.”
Willow first gained fame as the younger sister of Katniss Everdeen in “The Hunger Games.” She has since starred in the fantasy film “Into the Rainbow,” the drama “Woodstock or Bust,” and the Netflix series “Spinning Out.”
