This Is the Sentence Dani Mathers Could Face for Body-Shaming a Fellow Gym-Goer
Five months after Playboy model Dani Mathers found herself in hot water for body-shaming a fellow gym-goer, she’s still dealing with the fallout, and guys? It isn’t looking good.
Last we heard, Dani was actually facing criminal charges over her actions, which included taking a nude photo of a 70-year-old woman without consent and posting it online for the world to see, along with the crude caption, “If I can’t unsee this, you can’t either.”
Though Dani has since taken to social media to apologize, saying the photo was posted by accident and meant for a private conversation with a friend (’cause that’s so much better?), the law clearly didn’t see it as an innocent faux pas, as she has now officially been charged with a misdemeanor count of privacy invasion.
With an arraignment set for November 28, Dani could now face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine — yikes!
It’s a case for which the outcome could have far-reaching implications beyond just Dani herself, sending a strong message to body-shamers (not unlike this woman’s open letter) and hate photographers the world over. Think about it: In our newfound era of instant technology, how many times have you seen a “hilarious” shot of someone on the subway sporting an unfortunate outfit that was likely taken without their consent? They may be fully clothed, but the mean-spirited sentiment and lack of approval to have their picture shared with the world remains the same, as does the fact that behind that photo, there’s a real-live person with feelings.
Should Dani be forced to face the full legal consequence of her unfortunate actions, perhaps others will be forced to rethink their own actions, as well.
After all, as LA city attorney Mike Feuer told the court regarding Dani’s post, “Body shaming is humiliating, with often painful, long-term consequences. It mocks and stigmatizes its victims, tearing down self-respect and perpetuating the harmful idea that our unique physical appearances should be compared to airbrushed notions of ‘perfect.’” The lawyer went on to say that while body shaming is not, in and of itself a crime, “There are circumstances in which invading one’s privacy to accomplish it can be. And we shouldn’t tolerate that.”
Hear, hear.
Do you think Dani’s crime was severe enough to warrant the punishment? Share @BritandCo.
(h/t ET, photos via Charley Galley + Jason Kempin/Getty)
