What Legal Steps Can Kate Mckinnon Take Over Revealed Photos?

I get immediate protective instincts here — my first practical move would be preservation and documentation: screenshots, saved URLs, and logs of when and where images appeared. After that, I’d contact an attorney who deals with privacy and online harms to evaluate potential claims like public disclosure of private facts, intrusion upon seclusion, or intentional infliction of emotional distress. If the images were obtained by hacking, criminal statutes and law enforcement involvement (FBI or local police) might be warranted.

Parallel to suing or criminal referrals, there are quick takedown routes: if the person owns the images, file DMCA takedowns; even if not, most platforms remove non-consensual intimate content under their policies. Counsel can also seek emergency court orders (temporary restraining order or injunction) to force removals and can pursue subpoenas to unmask anonymous uploaders. Finally, consider documenting emotional harm for damages, and coordinate any public communications carefully. I’d also recommend mental health support — it’s a lot to carry emotionally, and moving through the legal steps while caring for yourself is crucial.

Wow — this kind of situation makes my chest tighten because privacy feels so fragile these days. If I were walking through the steps with someone I care about, I'd first tell them to stop interacting with the posts and immediately start preserving evidence: screenshots (with timestamps if possible), URLs, and any messages or comments connected to the photos. Save copies in multiple places (but don't repost publicly), note where the images appeared, and collect any context that shows how and when they spread. Simultaneously, I’d contact a lawyer who handles privacy or entertainment matters — that person can send cease-and-desist letters, file urgent motions, and guide whether a criminal referral is appropriate.

On the legal side, there are several paths that often apply. Civil torts include intrusion upon seclusion (for unlawful access), public Disclosure of private facts (if intimate or private content was exposed), and intentional infliction of emotional distress. If someone stole the images by hacking or unauthorized access, statutes like the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act can come into play and may trigger criminal charges; many victims also report hacks to the FBI or local law enforcement. Separate from that, if the photos are being used commercially or to sell a product, a right-of-publicity claim or unfair competition claim could stop that commercial exploitation.

Copyright and platform tools are practical levers, too. If the person owns the copyright to the photos, a DMCA takedown notice is an effective way to get content removed quickly from many hosting sites. Even when they don't own copyright, platforms usually have policies against revenge porn, harassment, or non-consensual sharing — report the content under those rules and ask for expedited removal. For anonymous posters, attorneys often pursue expedited discovery or “John Doe” subpoenas to force platforms to reveal account information (IP addresses, emails) so they can identify and sue the uploader for damages and injunctive relief. Emergency relief like a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction can also be sought to require takedowns and stop further sharing.

Everything depends a bit on where the person is — state laws vary widely, and some states have criminal statutes specifically targeting non-consensual intimate imagery. Beyond the courtroom, I’d recommend coordinating with a trusted publicist if the person is public-facing, and leaning on support networks — this is emotionally brutal. I’d close by saying: move fast, document thoroughly, and get experienced counsel; it’s draining but there are real legal tools to fight back, and you don’t have to go through it alone.