Photographer apologizes for nude pics shot in downtown

(ECNS) -- A netizen who claims to be the source of some controversial nude photos posted an apology online Thursday, according to the Shanghai-based eastday.com.

The website cited the Labor Daily as saying that a netizen with the Weibo account "Kenny_McCormick" posted the apology. The netizen said he was a fan of nude photography, and that the photos were uploaded to a private forum to encourage other photographers.

"Kenny_McCormick" also said that he is studying at a foreign art college and took the photos to challenge the traditional morality and values of China.

He added that all the uploaded photos had been deleted and are not for commercial use.

The photos are of an unidentified woman either partially or completely nude at the Bund, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and along Hengshan Road. They have gone viral since they first appeared after the National Day holiday on October 1.

It was reported that Shanghai police have been attempting to track the source of the photos.