Former Democratic rep files for bankruptcy after losing 'revenge porn' lawsuits

Katie Hill sued journalists and a tabloid over nude photos.
Former California Rep. Katie Hill.

Katie Hill, the former California Democratic representative who was at the center of an embarrassing nude photo scandal in 2019, has filed for bankruptcy after losing several lawsuits related to the publication of those photos.

Hill, who resigned her seat serving California's 25th Congressional District amid the controversy, sued the British newspaper Daily Mail, the conservative writer Jennifer Van Laar, and radio producer Joseph Messina in connection with the photos. 

She lost those lawsuits and was subsequently ordered to pay over $200,000 to the defendants. Her bankruptcy filing could discharge those obligations. 

Hill has indicated that she may run for Congress again in the future.