Snooker star Judd Trump has claimed that an Instagram hack was responsible for an explicit post that briefly appeared on a social media account over the weekend.
The world No 1 found himself at the centre of online attention after followers noticed a video containing explicit content had been uploaded to an Instagram story on Sunday.
The post was later removed, with Trump subsequently issuing a statement insisting the material had not been shared by him.
The 36-year-old moved quickly to address the situation, telling followers that control of the account had been compromised.
"Just a quick note to let everyone know that my Instagram account was hacked," Trump wrote.
"Any images or content posted recently were not posted by me or represent me in any way.
"Please disregard them while I work to regain control of the account. Thank you for your understanding."
The statement was later deleted, although screenshots of both the original post and Trump's response continued to circulate online.
Snooker star Judd Trump has claimed that an Instagram hack was responsible for an explicit post that briefly appeared on a social media account over the weekend
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Trump's Instagram account remains publicly accessible and has amassed more than 325,000 followers.
The incident comes during a period of significant change away from the snooker table for one of the sport's biggest stars.
On the sporting front, Trump remains ranked world No 1 despite suffering disappointment at this year's World Championship.
The former world champion exited the tournament in the last 16 after a dramatic defeat to Hossein Vafaei at the Crucible.
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Five quirky facts about snooker | PATrump famously lifted the world title in 2019 and remains one of the most successful players of the modern era.
Earlier this year, success arrived at the German Masters, where Trump defeated Shaun Murphy 10-4 in the final to secure a 31st ranking title.
Away from competition, Trump has also been forced to adapt to changing living arrangements following escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The Bristol-born star had relocated abroad in 2024 but revealed earlier this year that uncertainty surrounding the situation had prompted a temporary move to Thailand.
Speaking during an event in China, Trump explained: "We went to Bangkok.
"It's a bit up in the air at the moment. I don't really think I can go back, just in case I get stuck there. Just kind of looking for somewhere else to live."
Trump added that a family member had also been affected by travel disruption before eventually managing to leave safely.
"Just trying to make the best of a bad situation," Trump said.
Judd Trump struggled at this year's World Snooker Championship
|PA
"It's just difficult at the moment because you don't know where I'm going to be living. Every day is different.
"Just living in a hotel for the last few weeks.
"It's not nice to be not at home, not knowing what you're going to do."
The former world champion later suggested a return to Britain was not currently part of the plan.
"I won't be moving back to the UK," Trump said.
"Maybe I'll go somewhere different. But definitely won't be coming back to the UK any time soon."