FHM rapped over topless teen
2007-09-11 17:15
London - Men's magazine FHM broke media
rules by publishing a topless photograph of a 14-year-old
without her permission, the press watchdog said on Tuesday.
The Press Complaints Commission said that publishing the
picture, sent in by her boyfriend, was a significant breach of
its guidelines.
It upheld a complaint by her parents after the picture
appeared in a gallery of mobile phone pictures sent in by
readers in the magazine's April edition.
"The publication of a topless photograph of the
complainants' daughter without consent represented a serious
intrusion into her private life," the PCC said in a written
ruling.
Topless or in underwear
"The Commission was particularly concerned about the impact
on the girl in light of her youth."
The magazine said it receives 1 200 photographs for
publication each week from, or on behalf of, women posing
topless or in underwear.
It said the teenager appeared older than 14 and that it had
no reason to believe the image was taken without her consent.
The magazine has introduced new measures to prevent a
similar breach of the PCC code.
- Reuters