The Walt Disney Co. is sticking with the 18-year-old star of its wildly successful “High School Musical” franchise, despite her “lapse in judgment” in posing for racy photos that were leaked and posted on the Internet.
Vanessa Hudgens apologized Friday for the photos, which show her smiling as she posed naked and in underwear in a bedroom with a red curtain behind her.
“Vanessa has apologized for what was obviously a lapse in judgment,” said Disney Channel spokeswoman Patti McTeague. “We hope she’s learned a valuable lesson.”
She said negotiations were ongoing to land all the actors for a “High School Musical 3” feature film — including Hudgens.
Hudgens, who played Gabriella in the first two TV movies, said she was sorry. “I am embarrassed over this situation and regret having ever taken these photos,” she said. “I am thankful for the support of my family and friends.”
Hudgens’ publicist wouldn’t say anything about who took the pictures and how they got posted on the Internet.
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Personals was compiled by Alan Leo from Tribune news services and staff reports.
