Posted on 04/26/2002 7:31:00 AM PDT by the_devils_advocate_666
Exclusive nude photos of Anna Kournikova "caught close up on a nude beach" are promised on the June cover of Penthouse magazine, which went on sale this week. But a spokesman for the agency that represents the 20-year-old Russian tennis beauty told ESPN.com Thursday night that not one of the nude photos splashed across the 10-page pictorial is of Kournikova.
"The topless photographs in the article are so dissimilar to Miss Kournikova that the magazine acted either intentionally or with reckless disregard for the truth in order to exploit our client and make a profit," said Octagon spokesman David Schwab.
Attempts to reach Penthouse late Thursday night were unsuccessful.
"The magazine committed numerous violations of Miss Kournikova's rights, including portraying her in a false light," Schwab said. "We will be communicating with the publisher immediately and will take all appropriate actions to protect our client's rights and image."
It is expected that Octagon will seek monetary damages as well as a full apology from the magazine. When asked if the firm would file a lawsuit against Penthouse, Schwab said "that will be dictated by the reaction and the response."
Kournikova, who has yet to win a singles title since joining the WTA Tour, announced Thursday she would withdraw from upcoming tournaments in Berlin and Hamburg -- both considered tuneups for the French Open, which begins May 27. Kournikova currently is ranked No. 69 in the world.
Penthouse is threathening to run the photos unless circulation figures start to rise...
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