During the height of her career’s breakout with the enormous success of High School Musical, Vanessa Hudgens’ world seemingly stopped when private photos of her were leaked back in September of 2007.
High School Musical was one of Disney’s biggest successes during the 2000s primarily because of the colorful sing and dance nature of the franchise with Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, and Lucas Grabeel at the helm. Hudgens’ career was in an upward trajectory; HSM was going to be a trilogy, her debut album was also successful, reaching gold status in North America. Everything was picture perfect until her world came crashing down after her photos were made public.
Media outlets spread the wildfire that was the kafuffle the young actress was in, garnering a lot of negativity due to the fact that Hudgens was a Disney talent, their demographic being of the younger variety. The actress, only eighteen years old at the time, was compelled to apologize for the scandal even if she had nothing to do with the leak. Back then, Hudgens apologized to her fans, who she shared their trust and support meant the world to her. The actress went on to say that she was embarrassed because of the incident and regrets ever taking the pictures and went on to thank her family and close friends.
Patti McTeague, Disney Channel spokesperson, released a statement on behalf of the channel, stating that the actress has apologized for her apparent lapse in judgment and that they hope that she had learned her lesson.
One can only imagine what a very young, up-and-coming actress who had just experienced success could be feeling or thinking during those trying times, but after over a decade later, the actress has opened up about the scandal.
Speaking with Cosmopolitan UK, the High School Musical alumnus shared that the ordeal she went through because of the leak was mortifying. The actress went on to say that it was f****d up that some people found the gall to think they were entitled to reveal personal things to the world.
Hudgens further explained that it’s sad that actors lose their privacy completely and that that should not be the case, but if enough people are engrossed and become obsessive, they will do everything in their capacity to know as much about you as they can. The actress added that to her it was flattering, but people take things to far and become unhealthy in terms of their actions.
“I think that is because there’s a disconnect when you see your favorite actress on the screen, and you see them now on your TV in your homes, and you can watch them whenever you want.” shared Hudgens.