Emma Watson criticises 'lack of empathy' towards photo hacking victims

Emma Watson has hit out at a popular "lack of empathy" towards the celebrity victims of a photo hacking scandal.

Celebrities including actress Jennifer Lawrence have had intimate pictures of themselves leaked on to the internet.

It is believed hackers breached Apple's iCloud service to obtain the images.

The FBI and Apple have said they are investigating the apparent hacking.

Watson, who is a UN ambassador for women and gender equality, said comments about the victims were "even worse than seeing a women's privacy violated".

Her post comes amid anger over comedian Ricky Gervais' comments suggesting celebrities who had taken the photos were to blame.

In a tweet, that was swiftly deleted, Gervais said: "Celebrities, make it harder for hackers to get nude pics of you from your computer by not putting nude pics of yourself on your computer."

The Office star quickly defended his remarks, insisting he was not condoning the actions of the hackers.

Lawrence, who stars in the Hunger Games films, has called for action against those responsible - describing the hacking as a "flagrant violation of privacy".

Watson is among the high-profile names condemning the leak.

Actress Lena Dunham urged the public not to violate the women by viewing the images.

She also attacked people questioning why the women took the pictures in the first place.