Is Lara Bingle Australia’s version of Paris Hilton? Or a feminist warrior?

Dave Hughes made the Paris Hilton comparison on Twitter last week while Lara’s agent Max Markson alluded to the former on the Today show. It’s certainly seems to be what everyone is talking about. This story is not going away any time soon and so we may as well jump into it together. Goggles anyone?

In case the words Lara Bingle’s Boobies don’t mean anything to you, here is some essential reading. It comes from ABC online so it must be of national importance…..

Lara Bingle is reportedly suing AFL footballer Brendan Fevola following the release of a nude photo.

The photo, allegedly taken while the pair were involved in a secret affair in 2006, was published in Woman’s Day on Monday. It shows Bingle taking a shower, trying to cover herself with her right hand.

Bingle’s manager Max Markson has told the Herald Sun that his client met with lawyers yesterday and has decided to sue Fevola. “Lara Bingle is taking legal action against Brendan Fevola for breach of privacy, defamation and misuse of her image,” Markson told the newspaper.

Fevola was dumped by Carlton after he became drunk and disgraced himself at the Brownlow Medal ceremony last year. He was traded to the Brisbane Lions. Nude photos of Bingle, now engaged to Australian cricket vice-captain Michael Clarke, appeared several years ago on the German website for GQ magazine.

Okaaaaay. Let’s unpack this one. I was on Kerri-Anne Kennerly’s first show back for 2010 yesterday to discuss this very issue because that’s the type of news I like to discuss before breakfast. News with nipples.

When KAK asked me if these photos could harm Lara’s career, I had to pause because well, Lara doesn’t have a career right now. Not to say she won’t in the future. In all seriousness, maybe one day she might decide on a career in politics in which case this photo could be a major bummer.

In actual seriousness, I don’t want this post to turn into a bitch-fest about Lara. Please save your breath on those kinds of nasty comments because I’ll delete them. It’s very possible to discuss this issue without slagging someone off personally. I promise you it is.

Here’s a reminder of how good she looks in photos taken with her consent.

I was actually working at Channel 9 when the initial story about Lara and Brendan Fevola broke. At the time, Lara had just won Dancing On Ice (or whatever it was called) and had been signed – along with Jennifer Hawkins’ boyfriend Jake Wall (was he the runner up? the whole period is a blank in my mind…) to a one-year talent contract.

During this time, the network tried to find someone suitable for them to do. Nothing worked out and their contracts weren’t renewed. Anyway.

I recall the whole Bingle Fevola thing very well because at one point, someone decided it would be a great thing to get Lara on A Current Affair discussing her alleged affair with Brendan Fevola and because I knew her agent from my time in magazines, it was suggested I try to tee it up.

The day a 19 year old model’s supposed affair with a footballer I’d never heard of became my problem? That was a dark day. One of many during my specatular (not) stint as a TV exec.

Moving right along. So now Lara has had a shot leaked of her in the shower. A shot that – if you’ve seen it (I’m not publishing it here but you can Google it if you must) was CLEARLY taken without her permission and against her will.

Her face is scrunched into an anguished expression and her mouth seems to be in the middle of saying “Fuck off”. I don’t blame her.

A couple of things to mention. While I did blanche a little at Max Markson’s assertion that Lara is striking a blow for The Sisters by suing Fevola for taking and distributing the photo via text to his footy mates (really?), I do see her as the victim here.

The fact the photo was taken during an affair with a married man?

I think that’s a separate issue. They were both consenting adults in whatever form their relationship took.

The fact that Lara has posed for nude shots before for German GQ magazine?

Irrelevant. That’s like saying rape can’t occur within marriage. She chose to pose nude on her terms, in a particular context, under conditions within her control. She’s a model. That is her right.

There’s a warning to be heeded here for all women – and men I guess. Taking sexually compromising photos and videos is not new. Just ask Paris Hilton. But what IS different to years ago is that now everyone is walking around with a camera and video recorder in their hand 24/7.

We need to remember – and to teach our daughters and remind our girlfriends – that safe sex is no longer just about condoms. It’s also about making sure you’re not filmed or photographed without your consent.

One other thing to remember? Today’s lover will probably be tomorrow’s ex. And if he’s in any way pissed off? You don’t want images of you naked to be anywhere other than in his memory.

Have you ever taken photos of yourself or had them taken of you that you regret? Is Lara right to sue Brendan Fevola?

UPDATE: By popular demand, a Lara Bingle frockwatch has just gone up here.