Scarlett Johansson has spoken out about breach of privacy for the first time since explicit pictures were leaked on the internet of the actress, earlier this month.
The actress discussed the issue in an interview with CNN, nearly two weeks since nude self-portraits of the 26-year-old, who has never appeared fully nude in her movies, emerged online.
The Lost In Translation star said that when one’s personal privacy is violated, it feels immoral.
Speaking out: Scarlett Johansson has spoken out about breach of privacy after nude pictures were leaked on the internet of the actress earlier this month
When asked by the interviewer why it was important to her protect to her privacy, particularly when it comes to illegal acts, she said: ‘I think the question is kind of redundant, I think. Who doesn’t want to protect their own privacy?
‘Just because you’re an actor or make films or whatever doesn’t mean you’re not entitled to your own personal privacy,’ she said. ‘If that is sieged in some way, it feels unjust. It feels wrong.’
Since the scandal first emerged, Johansson admitted that she took the naked photographs of herself, which were leaked online after someone hacked into her phone.
She reportedly called the FBI in to investigate how the private photographs were hacked from her mobile phone and threatened legal action against anyone who publishes them.
Authorities are now said to be ‘honing in’ on the criminal gang, with the identity of one of the ringleaders known to the FBI.
Unjust: The Lost In Translation stars said in the CNN interview that when one’s personal privacy is violated, it feels immoral, actor or not
In her CNN interview, Johansson said that whilst being in the spotlight was an ‘adjustment’, it is important to stay firm about exposing too much of one’s personal life.
‘I think there are certain instances where you give a lot of yourself and finally you have to kind of put your foot down and say, “Oh wait, I’m taking it back”,’ she said.
The American actress, who is also an Oxfam ambassador, conducted the interview in Nairobi last week, where she was assisting in humanitarian efforts.
Johansson became the latest victim of the phone-hacking ring thought to be responsible for stealing naked photos and videos from at least 50 female Hollywood celebrities.
Firm: Johansson said that whilst being in the spotlight was an ‘adjustment’, it is important to stay firm about exposing too much of one’s personal life
Her lawyer issued a statement not long after the scandal emerged, making it clear that his client took the explicit pictures.
One of the photographs showed Johansson posing seductively with her top off, while in another her bare behind is visible in a mirror.
The photographs showed wallpaper in the background which matches the design in previously seen pictures from inside her bedroom in Los Angeles.
While parts of her body have been exposed for her movie roles, she has never before been seen completely naked.
Siren: The actress looked every bit the Hollywood sex symbol at a Dolce & Gabbana Fashion afterparty, left and the label’s Spring/Summer 2012 fashion show, right, in Milan earlier this week
‘The highly personal and private photographs at issue capture our client self-posing in her own home in a state of undress and/or topless,’ a statement, from lawyer Marty Singer, read.
At the time of the scandals, authorities confirmed it is looking into the case.
‘The FBI is investigating a person or group responsible for a series of cyber intrusions of high-profile figures,’ FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said.
‘This would include many devices – could mean a computer, desktop, laptop, iPad, cell phone… intrusions into personal online accounts too.’
Other stars reportedly targeted include actresses Jessica Alba, Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus, as well as singer Christina Aguilera.
Accolade: Scarlett was voted Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire magazine in 2006
Celebrity website TMZ.com said Johansson had called in the FBI as a ‘criminal act’ had been committed.
Johansson then subsequently threatened to sue anyone who publishes the nude photos.
Her lawyer, Singer, wrote to various websites, warning of legal action.
‘If you fail to comply, you will be acting at your own peril. Please govern yourselves accordingly,’ the letter stated.
Johansson was named earlier this year as one of 50 victims who had their mobile phones or emails compromised by a hacking gang.
Investigation: The actress, pictured here in a campaign for Mango, fell victim to a phone hacking ring who are currently being investigated by the FBI
Fortunately the actress, who was divorced from husband Ryan Reynolds in July, has plenty of work to distract her from the troubling incident.
She is currently filming the super-hero film The Avengers with Captain America star Chris Evans and Hollywood A-lister Robert Downey Jr.
The comedy drama, We Bought a Zoo, with Matt Damon and Elle Fanning, will be released at Christmas.
