Vanessa Hudgens’ rep confirms popular web shot pictures teen star

By Elizabeth Aguilar

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 9/7/07 – The photo that was meant for Zac Efron’s eyes alone is now posted all over the Internet for anyone interested in a naked Vanessa Hudgens. Hudgens’ representative confirmed earlier today that the young woman posing in the photograph is the 18-year old “High School Musical” star.

“It is a personal matter and it is unfortunate that this has become public,” said Jill Fritzo, Hudgens’ publicist. “It was a photo which was taken privately.”

Last week, reports surfaced that a nude camera phone photo of Hudgens was circulating the web. The once-private photo shows Hudgens in what looks like a bedroom, posing full-frontal in front of a red curtain.

Hudgens has shown her grown-up side to the world, though it may not be in the best interest of her career. The pretty brunette was known for her role as the sweet, intelligent Gabriella in the hit Disney movie. She had released an album in 2006, was named one of “Forbes” top 10 grossing stars under-21, and she was set to be a 2007 Neutrogena spokesperson.

Though she likely did not expect the photo to reach the eyes of thousands, she obviously didn’t recall the experiences of Pamela Anderson or Paris Hilton.

With her reputation now publically changed, it’s hard to tell what her once-promising future now holds.

The Disney Channel denied that it would drop Hudgens from “High School Musical 3,” which is currently in negotiations. Hudgens’ current beau, Efron, is also in negotiations to come out in the film. AP reports that the film is still in development and negotiations are incomplete.

Efron has not said anything regarding the photo. The blue-eyed teen idol is currently in Australia for the premiere of “Hairspray.”

Disney had no further comments about the scandalous photo.

Hudgens and Efron star as opposites that attract in “High School Musical” and “High School Musical 2.” Their faces are known to tweens and teens across the United States, as the two movies have created the biggest current teen sensation.

There were media reports over the summer that the two were having a fall-out while dating in real life.

“High School Musical 2” premiered with an audience of 17 million viewers in August. It was the most watched summer program. The first “High School Musical” had 7.7 million watch its debut, and the movie’s soundtrack was the best selling album in 2006.

AFP contributed to this report