Skelton's decision to pose topless has been seen by many as a bold statement of body positivity and empowerment. In an interview, Skelton explained that she wanted to challenge societal norms and expectations around women's bodies. By embracing her own body and refusing to be ashamed, Skelton hopes to inspire others to do the same.
The publication of the images was met with widespread condemnation. An opinion piece from the International Business Times described it as "a gross and disturbing invasion of privacy," noting there could be no argument that digging up "intimate photographs of a 17-year-old girl" was in any way "newsworthy" or in the public interest. Sources close to Skelton confirmed she was "distressed" by the leak, as the images were "a million miles away from her public image now and the image she wants to present to the public". The presenter took action, filing a complaint with the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) over the publication of the photos. helen skelton topless new