But the Vanessa Hudgens nude photo scandal is interesting if only because of the players involved, specifically the wholesome Disney and its enormously popular High School Musical series, which now crosses nearly every one of the media giant’s areas of expertise.

When the photos surfaced, the initial reaction was one of doubt in their authenticity.  But apparently the photo’s owner had enough evidence and clout to warrant a reaction on the part of Hudgens and her handlers, as each released statements.  One of Hudgens’ reps said the initial picture "was taken privately. It is a personal matter and it is unfortunate that this has become public." 

Hudgens added her own statement, saying she was "embarrassed over the situation and regret(s) having ever taken these photos.” 

Regardless of your opinion about Hudgens’ actions, the photos are unfortunate for her career because of their timing.  The young actress is one of the major players in the High School Musical series, and the network remains in negotiations with the cast for the third installment in the movie series.  In response to Hudgens’ confirmation that the first set of pictures were indeed real, the company said in a statement, "Vanessa has apologized for what was obviously a lapse in judgment.  We hope she's learned a valuable lesson."

Now the New York Daily News reports that more photos have surfaced, the contents of which can be best defined as “experimental.”  So experimental, in fact, that Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis believes the actress would make the perfect addition to his franchise.

How the rumors, which appear to be real, will play out in Disney’s negotiations with the lead actors for High School Musical remains to be seen.  In many ways it’s an unprecedented situation for the network, as they weigh the significance of the pictures to their audience.  There’s little doubt the show’s core audience – young females – is aware of the situation as several studies have been published recently telling of the segment’s interest and active consumption of celebrity magazines like People and Us, as well as popular internet sites like TMZ.  It’s not only the parents of the children Disney is worried about, in other words.

Now, all of that said, a DMW reader wrote a response to our first article on this story and discussed the histrionics surrounding the photos.  “I think it's tragic that there are people who would hold this against her and that it might even hurt her career.”

Some would agree and some would disagree with the statement.  Regardless of your opinion, it would be difficult to see Disney ignoring the image that has been carved for Hudgens this summer.  Typically, networks will err on the side of caution.  That might mean the end of Hudgens’ career at Disney, which, in response to the reader, will certainly have an impact on her career.  But don’t expect her career to be “over,” as many have predicted.  Vanessa Hudgens is more famous than she’s ever been, and the Hollywood wheels are turning as we speak, thinking up ideas to market its latest sex symbol.

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