U.S. and British tabloid newspapers and media websites have published comments from and photos of a parade of women, including cocktail waitresses and porn stars, who have claimed relationships with Woods.
Without specifically admitting any of the alleged affairs, Woods has asked that his private life be respected.
The scandal has badly dented the golfer’s until now carefully preserved image as a perfectionist sportsman, which formed the basis of lucrative endorsements of various companies that have helped make Woods perhaps the world’s richest athlete, with a fortune estimated at $1 billion (615.3 million pounds).
His commercial sponsors and backers have said they are standing by him.
‘NOT AWARE 0F ANY IMAGES’
At least one U.S. publication has said it has been offered pictures of Woods naked.
The High Court order applies to UK territory and is addressed to “person or persons unknown who have taken or obtained or offered for publication” photographs or images or video footage of Woods nude or having sex.
The Schillings letter accompanying the court order says: “Our client is not aware of any images and in any event he would not have consented to any such photographs being taken nor would he have consented to the dissemination or exploitation of the same.”
It adds that “in the event that these photographs do exist, and it is not admitted, any such images may have been fabricated, altered, manipulated and or changed to create the false appearance and impression that they are nude photographs of our client.”
The Florida Highway Patrol has closed its investigation into Woods’ accident after issuing a ticket to him for careless driving and saying no criminal charges would be brought.
His wife, Elin Nordegren, told police she pulled him from the crashed car after using a golf club to smash a window.
The golfer, appealing for privacy, has not confirmed numerous media reports that he was arguing with his wife about his affairs just when the accident occurred.
Woods has paid his $164 traffic fine.
The top draw on the PGA tour, he is chasing Jack Nicklaus’ record for victories in major tournaments and the unofficial title of best golfer ever. Woods has won 71 times on the tour in a spectacular career that includes 14 major wins.
Nicklaus said on Thursday he believed Woods would “figure out” a way through the scandal.
Tiger has told his wife he will “do anything” to save their family. The Sun reports that Elin wants him to give up touring until he regains her trust, or until the couples’ children Sam and Charlie are old enough to tag along with them. Sam and Charlie are both currently under the age of 3.
Given the fact that Tiger Woods quitting golf would be devastating to those following the sport, I headed out to a local golf supply store to talk to people on their way in and out. Here is what they had to say:
Diane was heading to the golf supply store to buy her husband some Christmas presents. She said she would make the exact same ultimatum that Elin Nordegren Woods did.
Larry says he thinks Tiger should stick in there with his family, as his fans will understand his decision. When he makes a come back in a couple of years, he will have their respect back for doing the right thing.
Justin said that $80 million is a lot less than what Tiger would lose if he quit playing golf. He says Tiger Woods should stand his ground and continue playing golf.
So why would Elin even ask her husband to quit playing golf? According to the Orlando Sentinel, a friend of Elin Nordegren said:
It will be a long time before he’s traveling the globe playing golf unless Elin’s by his side. Tiger will have to work long and hard to get her to trust him again. Quitting golf shows he is willing to sacrifice something he loves so much to protect his family.