Willow Shields shares ‘private’ photo on Instagram after being blackmailed over it

Hunger Games star, Willow Shields, took to Instagram to share a very intimate photo of herself with followers - though she didn't exactly do it by choice.

The actor explained that she had been blackmailed by someone who had gotten hold of her private photos and was warned that they would be shared online.

So, to totally shut down the unnamed blackmailer, Willow decided to share the photo herself.

Posting the photo to Instagram, the Spinning Out star wrote: "I’m being blackmailed and extorted for nude photos of myself, something private that was never meant to be shared with the whole world.

"I’m taking back the control and sharing it with you first.

"Here’s the photo they emailed and attached threatening to share with my friends, family, and the internet. They claim to have many more 'less tame' photos to use against me.

"I will not let someone else make choices involving my own body, I will not allow someone to have power over me."

Willow, 22, continued that she had already reported the unnamed person to the FBI and 'sincerely hopes they take the investigation seriously and follow through with this crime.'

The actor added: "I also share this because I know how many other people are affected daily by revenge porn, and nude leaks, that are carried out by hackers and criminals in an effort to break down body, and mind, both deeply vulnerable. I understand and I’m sorry it exists.

"I will not stand for any slut shaming, this is my body, and I will share it with whomever I choose."

Willow got heaps of praise from fans for being brave enough to share the intimate photo with her 800k followers.

"We stand with you Willow and I am so sorry this is happening to you," wrote one fan.

A second told her: "I’m so so so sorry this is happening to you. I applauded your approach to owning your power and not allowing another to take it from you. Have always been a massive fan, and now even more so. Solidarity sis."

And a third raved: "You are absolutely beautiful Willow. You're doing an incredible thing here, do not let anyone tell you differently."

Willow got her big break when she appeared in the Hunger Games film trilogy as Katniss Everdeen's (Jennifer Lawrence) younger sister Prim.

Since then, she's gone on to star in The Wonder and Spinning Out.