Dispute over nude photos

Press, 7 February 1985, Page 19

Dispute over nude photos

Skeletons have a way of creeping out of the cupboard — and they have the most appalling timing — something Priscilla Barnes, • who plays the part of Terri in the comedy series, “Three’s Company,” has found to her cost. Miss Barnes, aged 29, is entangled in a court battle with the publishers of “Penthouse” magazine, who wish to reprint nude photographs of her taken over a decade ago and which appeared in the March, 1976, issue. At the time the controversial shots were taken Pris-

cilia Barnes was a struggling actress, not long arrived in Hollywood and with her heart set on the big time. The only job she could find was as a hostess in a club and it was there that she met a photographer who persistently tried to talk her into posing for Penthouse. She finally agreed because she needed the money — about ?2000 — and because the photographer assured her a fictitious name and identity would accompany the photographs. Indeed when the photographs appeared they pur-

ported to be those of a’ 26-year-old English girl by the name of Joan Witty. To conceal her identity still further, Miss Barnes had a friend dye her hair to a darker colour. Apparently the photographer also assured the star it was “Penthouse’s” common practice to preserve the anonymity and confidentiality of the subject’s true name and identity. Now that Priscilla Barnes has become a star,“Penthouse” wants to republish the erotic pictures using the actress’s real name.

However, publication has been stopped until a court decision is reached. Rest assured, there is no chance of Miss Barnes baring it all in tonight’s episode The action revolves around Jack, who, when faced with a double date, talks Larry into posing as him so as not to hurt one of Janet’s out-of-town friends. All goes well until the second date shows up . . . This is the last season of “Three’s Company.” The series will change shape into an American version of another British comedy, “Robin’s Nest.”