CHARLOTTE AMALIE, US Virgin Islands, Friday July 22, 2016 – Two weeks before she runs for re-election a Congresswoman from the US Virgin Islands is facing a new, unexpected challenge – dealing with the leak of a semi-nude photo of her and a video of her husband in makeup. But she’s suggesting that her political enemies are behind it.
The topless photo of 52-year-old Stacey Plaskett and a video in which her husband , Jonathan Buckney-Small, is seen wearing makeup – which she said he did while playing with their daughter – was reportedly posted online on Wednesday night but later removed.
Her office is working with the Capitol Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to determine who was involved in what Plaskett described as “a shockingly disgusting invasion of my family’s and my privacy – not to mention criminal acts in violation of both territorial and federal law.”
According to online news publication Politico, those who have seen the video say the recording shows a naked Buckney-Small wearing makeup as Plaskett films it.
Shocked and Saddened
The Congresswoman, who is a lawyer, said the “private photographs” shared between her and her husband, and the “private playful video” of their family, including one of their children, were illegally obtained and disseminated via the Internet.
“The theft and distribution of these personal images via the Internet marks a new low in Virgin Islands politics. I am shocked and deeply saddened that someone would stoop to such a level as to invade my marriage and the love of my family in an attempt to besmirch me politically,” Plaskett said in a statement.
“To say my family and I are greatly upset would be a tremendous understatement,” she added. “As a mother I am outraged that one of my children was exploited in such a way.” Plaskett is seeking re-election and is up against Gordon Ackley and Ronald Russell.
Following the photo and video leak, Ackley cried shame on his opponent. He said in a statement that it is “deeply unfortunate when those entrusted to serve our community engage in a manner that poorly reflects upon the Virgin Islands”.