‘This Is A Fight Over A Woman’s Right To Control Images Of Her Own Body’ Says Lawyer Representing Mischa Barton
Film and TV actress Mischa Barton has obtained restraining orders against two former boyfriends, to prevent possible dissemination of sexually explicit video footage allegedly recorded without her knowledge or consent. In March, the starlet says she learned the video she’s calling “revenge porn” was being “shopped around” to professional distributors of pornography, although she admits she does not yet know who is involved in these efforts.
TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Conflict Destroying Your Relationship?
On Monday’s Dr. Phil, the actress and her lawyer, Civil rights attorney Lisa Bloom, sit down in an exclusive interview to discuss events surrounding the allegations. Ms. Bloom says when Barton came to her about the case; she knew they had to act quickly.
“This is a fight over a woman’s right to control images of her own body. And it is not right for someone to record Mischa – or any woman – and then try to put those images out on the internet,” says Bloom.
Bloom says they asked the judge for the temporary restraining order under California’s Domestic Violence law “because former boyfriends are covered in the domestic violence laws, and all forms of harassment are covered. We consider this to be a form of harassment.”
“The judge agreed with us and gave us everything we asked for immediately – which are court orders preventing either of these two men who Mischa identified, from trafficking in these images and preventing any of their agents from doing that.”
She says the alleged crime of recording the sexually explicit video, and that of trafficking or distributing it are separate offenses, noting, “Everyone is now on notice – and if they go ahead and do it anyway – we’re coming after them.”
What does Bloom say the legal penalties would for anyone caught buying, distributing or exhibiting the recording? Tune in to Monday’s episode.
Find out where you can watch here.
TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Have a headline-making story in a small town?
Why Hollywood Actress Mischa Barton Says It’s Empowering To Stand Up For Herself
