Former Playboy Playmate pleads not guilty in body-shaming case

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Monday, November 28, 2016
Playboy model Dani Mathers posted a picture body shaming a naked woman at a Los Angeles gym.
Playboy model Dani Mathers posted a picture body shaming a naked woman at a Los Angeles gym.
KABC-KABC

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A former Playboy playmate charged with secretly photographing a nude 70-year-old woman in a gym shower and posting the image on social media pleaded not guilty on Monday.

Dani Mathers, 29, was not in court as her lawyer entered a not guilty plea on her behalf to a misdemeanor count of invasion of privacy.

Mathers, Playboy's Miss May in 2014, was not required to be in court on Monday.

"She very much regrets what happened," Mather's attorney Tom Mesereau told reporters. "She apologized for her behavior and we're looking forward to resolving this case in a very fair manner."

MORE: Former Playboy playmate charged after allegedly body-shaming woman photographed at LA gym

Mesereau, who successfully defended boxer Mike Tyson and pop-icon Michael Jackson, previously stated he was disappointed Mathers was even charged with a violation.

The Los Angeles Police Department said the incident took place in July at an L.A. Fitness health club.

MORE: LAPD finds woman body-shamed by Playboy model Dani Mathers on Snapchat

The image showed a nude woman in the background, comments about her appearance, and Mathers covering her mouth in the foreground.

It was allegedly uploaded to Mathers' Snapchat account. After public backlash, Mathers quickly issued an apology after the snap was sent.

"I just wanted to acknowledge a photo I accidentally posted here on Snapchat earlier today and let you guys know that was absolutely wrong and not what I meant to do," Mathers said.

If convicted, the model could face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Her next pretrial was scheduled for Dec. 21.

The Associated Press and City News Service contributed to this report.