Vanessa Hudgens issued a statement Friday (September 7) apologizing to fans for the photographs of her that hit the Internet this week. The pictures depict the "High School Musical" star nude and in revealing attire.

"I want to apologize to my fans, whose support and trust means the world to me," Hudgens said in a statement, according to Us Weekly. "I am embarrassed over this situation and regret having ever taken these photos. I am thankful for the support of my family and friends."

A spokesperson for the Disney Channel, which broadcasts the "HSM" movies, told UsMagazine.com, "Vanessa has apologized for what was obviously a lapse in judgment. We hope she's learned a valuable lesson."

One nude photo appears to have been taken in a bedroom or on-set production trailer. Standing and pulling her hair back with one hand, a smiling Hudgens shares the frame with a bed, a wooden dresser -- and nothing else.

"This was a photo which was taken privately," Hudgens' representative said in a statement on Thursday, confirming the authenticity of the first leaked picture (see [article id="1569072"]"Vanessa Hudgens' Rep Confirms Nude Photo: 'It Is Unfortunate This Has Become Public' "[/article]).

The release of the image could signal trouble for Hudgens, who is currently in negotiations for a third "High School Musical" film (see [article id="1564571"]" 'High School Musical 3' Won't Be Haunted -- But It's Still Headed For Big Screen"[/article]).

Disney Channel parent company Walt Disney, which is known for its wholesome image, had some well-documented issues with Melissa Joan Hart in 1999 when the "Sabrina" star posed in nothing more than a bedsheet for Maxim magazine, under the headline "Your Favorite Witch Without a Stitch."

[This story was originally published at 7:22 p.m. ET on 09.07.2007]