BEIRUT — Lebanese skier Jackie Chamoun is being investigated by the Lebanese Olympic Committee for appearing in racy photos and a Youtube video with nothing but underpants, covering her breasts with skis.
The skier, who is not expected to be a medal contender, may have given the Sochi Games its first controversy after partially nude photos of her emerged on Tuesday, Feb. 11. She had appeared in a calendar, three years ago that contained risqué photos of both male and female athletes.
But now a behind-the-scenes video shows the athlete was almost completely nude in some of the shots. According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, the sports industry minister is investigating the matter in order to avoid “harming Lebanon’s reputation and international participation.”
Chamoun took to Facebook to clarify her position and said, “Yes, I did photos for an Austrian ski calendar with other professional athletes three years ago. The photos of the photoshoot are not like the actual images that are now circulating on the net. The video and photos that you are now seeing are part of the making of.”
Lebanese internet users started an online campaign called “I Am Not Naked” in support of Chamoun. Dozens of people took partially nude photos of themselves and posted them on social media networks along with the hashtag “#Stripforjackie.”
Chamoun’s supporters mocked the notion that the Lebanese government, which is facing security challenges and political turmoil, considers Chamoun’s photos harmful to the country’s “reputation.”
“So Lebanese government is concerned about the reputation of Lebanon because of Jackie Chamoun’s naked body when what it should be concerned about is the corruption that lies within its own body,” commented a Facebook user.
The skier took part in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and placed 54th in the slalom.
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