ST. CROIX — A bizarre video showing the husband of Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett, Jonathan Buckney-Small, who was being recorded by the congresswoman, naked, wearing eye shadow and lipstick, has leaked online; forcing Ms. Plaskett, a first-term delegate to Congress, to issue a press release condemning the leak of what she described as a “private playful video,” and assailed the perpetrators for what she deemed “a new low in Virgin Islands politics.”
Nude photos of the congresswoman were also leaked, appearing briefly on a fake Facebook page, which has since been taken down — but not before the photos as well as the video — were shared multiple times, and have now saturated local internet circles, especially social media platforms, Facebook Messenger and other popular messaging and video apps.
In one image, the congresswoman is seen taking a selfie without a shirt or bra on.
“The theft and distribution of these personal images via the internet marks a new low in Virgin Islands politics. I am shocked and deeply saddened that someone would stoop to such a level as to invade my marriage and the love of my family in an attempt to besmirch me politically,” Ms. Plaskett said.
“Private photographs shared between my husband and me, as well as a private playful video of our family, including one of our children, were illegally obtained and disseminated via the internet. To say my family and I are greatly upset would be a tremendous understatement. As a mother I am outraged that one of my children was exploited in such a way. The theft and dissemination of these images via the internet is a shockingly disgusting invasion of my family’s and my privacy – not to mention criminal acts in violation of both territorial and federal law,” she added.
But the video that Ms. Plaskett described as playful, includes what appears to be a rather disturbing twist. The congresswoman can be heard talking while recording her husband with a cellphone. He appears to be fully naked, and is wearing lipstick and eye shadow. Then, he says something to one of their children — appearing to be between 5-7 years old — who then appears behind her seemingly naked father.
The video begs the question what was the child doing in the same room with whom appeared to be her naked father; with the child’s mother, Ms. Plaskett, recording the moment.
News of the leak has already been reported by at least one major U.S. outlet, Politico, with the publication calling the video a sex tape (The site has since changed the title).
The Consortium spoke with Richard Motta, Ms. Plaskett’s press secretary, who said that while he would relay The Consortium’s inquiry about the questionable footage to the congresswoman, there would be no further comment on the matter.
The Congresswoman’s staff confirmed that the theft and dissemination of the images have been under review by federal law enforcement officials and that investigations have been underway since shortly after learning of the illegal acts.
“Our office is currently working with the Capitol Police and the FBI and I can confirm that an active investigation is underway to find out who committed this crime and anyone else who may have been involved” stated Plaskett Chief of Staff Jerome Murray.
The statement says that the fact that the illegal activity had taken place two weeks before an upcoming Primary Election was not being considered a coincidence. “The fact that whoever is behind this type of criminal behavior decided to time it just before Virgin Islanders will be voting is not lost on us, while we don’t believe it will have whatever effect was intended, it is a sad commentary on the level to which some will stoop,” said Mr. Murray.
“This incident shows that there are some people who will go to any length to degrade a woman who refuses to play their games and will try to besmirch my good name by any means necessary. I have a message for the criminals who perpetrated these heinous acts: I will not go away. I know the people of our Virgin Islands are disgusted by individuals who would try to destroy families for political gain. I ask Virgin Islanders to stand with me as the authorities continue to investigate this matter,” Ms. Plaskett concluded.
Tags: stacey plaskett
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