According to the LA Times, Dani Mathers, 29, faces a misdemeanor count of invasion of privacy, having been accused of posting an image of the woman on her Snapchat social media account in early July. In addition to the photo, Mathers included the comment, “If I can’t unsee this then you can’t either.”
Mather’s posting sparked public outrage as well as a national discussion about “body shaming.” Los Angeles City Atty. Mike Feuer said he hoped the case sent a message to others about such behavior.
Prosecutors often use invasion of privacy charges against peeping Toms and people who conceal cameras to take sexually suggestive photos of women. But legal experts said this marks a rare instance in which authorities have brought charges against someone over photos making fun of someone’s weight.
Outside of court Monday, defense lawyer Thomas Mesereau said Mathers regrets the events and apologizes for her behavior and he expects the matter to be resolved in a fair manner.
Mesereau has said his client did nothing illegal. “She never tried to invade anyone’s privacy and never tried to violate any laws,” he said.
Los Angeles police began an investigation in July after receiving a report of “illegal distribution" of the image. L.A. Fitness officials reported the posting to police as well, officials said. Because of the incident, Mathers lost her gig with the Heidi and Frank Show on KLOS 95.5 FM.
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