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Tiger Woods and ex-girlfriend Lindsey Vonn threaten legal action as nude photos published online

Victims: Tiger Woods and his ex-girlfriend, Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn, who said the photos were on her phone: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Victims: Tiger Woods and his ex-girlfriend, Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn, who said the photos were on her phone: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Tiger Woods and his ex-girlfriend, Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn, today threatened legal action after hackers posted nude photos of them online.

Vonn, who won a gold medal at Vancouver 2010, issued a statement blasting the “outrageous and despicable invasion of privacy” of having “private intimate photos” stolen from her mobile phone.

Her spokesman said: “Lindsey will take all necessary and appropriate legal action to protect and enforce her rights and interests. She believes the individuals responsible for hacking her private photos as well as the websites that encourage this detestable conduct should be prosecuted to the fullest extent under the law.”

Woods is also reported to be considering legal action against the hackers.

A lawyer for the golfer said: “It is a private hacked photo.”

The photos were allegedly taken several years ago when Vonn, 32, who has 77 World Cup wins, and 14-time Majors winner Woods, 41, were dating. They broke up in 2015.

Tiger Woods: Victim of hackers (Getty Images)
Tiger Woods: Victim of hackers (Getty Images)

She has said that she found it “really hard” being with the golfing legend due to the scrutiny they were under as a celebrity couple at the peaks of their respective sports.

Photos have also been hacked from other celebrities, including singer Miley Cyrus, actresses Kristen Stewart and Katharine McPhee and Victoria’s Secret supermodel Stella Maxwell.

Gossip website TMZ said that McPhee, a finalist on American Idol, is also threatening legal action over the stolen images.

It is the latest blow to Woods after a torrid few months. He was arrested in May on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Police found him asleep in his Mercedes-Benz by the side of the road near his Florida home.

Woods told officers he was taking Vicodin and Xanax to deal with pain from his fourth back surgery. A toxicology report found the golf star had five drugs in his system, including traces of cannabis, anti-anxiety medication and sleeping pills, but no alcohol.

Woods said: “As I previously said, I received professional help to manage my medications.

“I am continuing to work with my doctors, and they feel I’ve made significant progress. I remain grateful for the amazing support that I continue to receive and for the family and friends that are assisting me.”

He admitted reckless driving and agreed to enter a diversion programme, which includes community service, to allow him to clear his record.