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High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens strips off again
Last updated at 10:25am on 13.09.07High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens has been caught stripping off again - but this time looked a lot more covered up in a little black bikini as she relaxed poolside in Los Angeles.
The 18-year-old star stripped down to a sexy studded bikini to work on her tan, seemingly unconcerned by the nude photo storm which threatened to scupper her successful career.
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Cover up: Embarrassed High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens seems to have learnt her lesson from the nude photo scandal which dented her squeaky clean image
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Bikini babe: The teenage star has been supported by Disney who are in negotiations with Hudgens to star in a third money-spinning film
Following an initial denial, the star of Disney film High School Musical admitted it was indeed her in the candid snap which appeared on several Hollywood websites.
It appears the resultant publicity has begun to work in her favour. Disney chiefs have stood by the star and are currently negotiating a deal with Hudgens to star in the third film of the successful High School Musical films.
Hudgens was forced to apologise to fans over the photos that she said were "taken privately".
She said: "I am embarrassed over this situation and regret having ever taken these photos. I am thankful for the support of my family and friends."
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Staying power: Hudgens appears to have weathered the storm which threatened to scupper her career
She did not reveal when the shot was taken or where, but there are rumours it was for her boyfriend and co-star Zac Efron.
The admission came as a major embarassment to Disney chiefs who had hoped to build on the wholesome image of the young star.
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The photo is rumoured to have been taken for her boyfriend, High School Musical co-star Zac Efron
She and Efron are the stars of High School Musical and its sequel which, when shown in the US last month, attracted a record audience.
"High School Musical" is Walt Disney Company's most successful show over the last two years generating profits to the tune of 1 billion U.S. dollars.
'Squeaky clean' Vanessa could be dropped by Disney
A Disney Channel spokeswoman said: "Vanessa has apologised for what was obviously a lapse in judgment.
"We hope she's learned a valuable lesson." Disney said negotiations were ongoing to land all the actors for a "High School Musical 3" feature film — including Hudgens.
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School shocker: the nude picture as it appears on a satirical website, superimposed on to a montage
Hudgens portrayed sweet-voiced Gabriella, the brainy love interest of Efron's basketball star, in the first two Disney Channel movies.
'High School Musical 2' attracted more than 17 million viewers for its US TV premiere in August, the most watched show of the summer. It is scheduled for a September 21 showing in the UK.
Disney hopes to launch the next film in the franchise on the big screen next year.
Reader views (4)
So how did this photo, taken privately by a boyfriend, become public? What a creepo guy to have humiliated her this way!
- Estella, Los Angeles USA
My daughter loves Vanessa Anne Hudgens and wishes to be like her favourite disney star!
I think what Vanessa did was a bit stupid. I mean she's now a celebrity for God's sake! Of course it's going to be up in the internet, everyone must know that however sad it is, celebrities lives are hard to keep personal.
I hope this girl must now acknowledge that millions of young girls look up to her and so whatever she does must be kept in mind of.
- Sammantha Wright, London
My Lord, what are people thinking? Are we not in the year 2007? She was nude, without clothes not in a sexual position, not molesting anyone. What a hypercritical society we are living in. Honestly where's the controversy here?
What people should be asking is who leaked this private photo, this is the person the press and judgmental readers should be disturbed by.
- Simon Caleb, Clapham, London
She is a pretty girl who made a mistake - I hope Disney don't drop her.
- Jk, London
