Brooke Shields entangled in nude photo storm

London’s Tate Gallery has removed a nude photo of ‘Lipstick Jungle’ actress Brooke Shields from an exhibition after Police suggested it might breach child pornography laws.

Officers from London’s Metropolitan Police visited the gallery yesterday and are now consulting Britain’s highest legal authorities as to whether the photograph breaches that country’s obscenity laws.

Taken in 1975 by New York artist, Gary Gross the photo shows Shields — then aged just 10 – standing naked in a bath, in full make up and covered with oil. It has been exhibited many times in the US but this was its debut in Britain.

Children’s rights campaigners have been quick to condemn the gallery for including the picture – entitled “Spiritual America” – in their new exhibition, “Pop Life: Art In A Material World,” describing the work as a “magnet for pedophiles.”

A spokesman for the British police told London’s Daily Telegraph the issue is now well in hand, “Officers met with staff at the Tate regarding an image. They are keen to work with the gallery’s management to ensure they do not break the law or cause offense to their visitors.” the scribes were informed.

The offending image was commissioned by Brooke’s own mother, who wanted to make Brooke a childhood star.  The picture was later featured in Playboy and there were even plans to sell a full-scale poster. Brooke tried to buy back the rights and the negatives in 1981, but despite a Judge’s  ruling that she was ‘a hapless victim of a contract… to which two grasping adults had bound her”, the bid was denied.

Meanwhile, in London the exhibition continues — but the nude shot was removed until Police can decide.