Badgers volleyball photos, video leaked; police investigate
Wisconsin Badgers celebrate after defeating the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the Division I Women's Volleyball Championship on Dec. 18, 2021. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
MADISON, Wis. - University of Wisconsin police are investigating how private photos and video of members of the school’s national champion women’s volleyball team were circulated publicly without their consent.
Wisconsin’s athletic department issued a statement Wednesday saying players contacted campus police after they became aware the photos had been made public. The statement didn’t indicate when or where the photos or video were taken.
The statement indicated police are "investigating multiple crimes, including sharing sensitive photos without consent." Wisconsin said "the unauthorized sharing is a significant and wrongful invasion of the student-athletes’ privacy, including potential violations of university policies and criminal statutes."
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
University of Wisconsin police spokesman Marc Lovicott confirmed the investigation Thursday. Lovicott declined to share additional details because it’s an active investigation. The volleyball players aren’t being investigated for wrongdoing.
"Our top priority is supporting our student-athletes, and we are providing them with the appropriate services and resources," Wisconsin’s athletic department said.
Wisconsin won its first national title last year, beating Nebraska in the championship match. The Badgers (13-3, 7-1 Big Ten) are ranked fifth in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll heading into Friday’s home match with Michigan State.