Teen star deals with nude photo leak

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- It has emerged that “High School Musical” star Vanessa Hudgens sent nude photos of herself to Nickelodeon star Drake Bell before she became famous.

The information was made available by a source close to the situation after risque photos of the 18-year-old appeared on the Web, People magazine reported Sunday.

Hudgens appeared on Bell's Nickelodeon show in 2006 as his character's girlfriend, but in real life she is dating “High School Musical” costar Zac Efron.

Hudgens apologized for the pictures Friday and says she is "embarrassed over the situation and regrets having ever taken these photos."

The pictures, which include one completely nude photo, prompted her representative to issue a statement Thursday saying the shot "was taken privately. It is a personal matter and it is unfortunate that this has become public."

"Vanessa has apologized for what was obviously a lapse in judgment," said Disney, who is still considering Hudgens for “High School Musical 3.” "We hope she's learned a valuable lesson."