Lawsuit claims Best Buy Geek Squad posted customer’s nude photos online

TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) –

A Tuscaloosa woman is suing Best Buy, claiming members of the Geek Squad posted her nude photos online after working on her computer.

The University of Alabama art student has filed an invasion of privacy lawsuit against the company. Attorney Steven Heninger of Birmingham says the woman is devastated and humiliated by the events. He says she does not want to talk on camera to protect as much of her privacy as possible.

The seven-page civil lawsuit claims that in August 2011, the plaintiff, who also worked at the Best Buy on McFarland Avenue, brought her computer to the store and paid to have a problem with her hard drive fixed.

In May 2013, the plaintiff was notified by a co-worker that nude photos of her were circulating online. The lawsuit claims that a Geek Squad employee took the photos from the plaintiff’s computer, uploaded them to the Internet and also linked them on Pirate Bay.

The lawsuit explains that the photos were part of the plaintiff’s class work at the University.

“She’s shocked that these private, professional photos…she never posted them on any social media kept them only for reference or professional use for art,” Heninger said.

A couple of residents FOX6 spoke with about the lawsuit had very pointed thoughts about the matter.

“I think that’s absolutely disgusting. I’s upsetting to me that somebody would think it’s…violation of privacy obviously,” Laurel Stiff said.

“I think as a consumer, bringing your computer to a place to be fixed, it’s up to management team of Best Buy or Geek squad to ….completely unethical,” Bryan Fiese said.

Heninger says he’s not aware if the Geek Squad employee named in the lawsuit was fired or not. FOX6 tried to reach an attorney for Best Buy but was unsuccessful.

The plaintiff is suing for invasion of privacy, outrageous conduct, breach of contract and negligent supervision and training, among other issues.

A jury will decide if the woman’s claims have merit and if there should be damages awarded to her.

Best Buy’s corporate office replied to questions on the case with this statement:

“As a matter of policy, Best Buy does not comment on pending litigation.”

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