(WXYZ) – It’s a growing trend in the United States, and one that is sickening and illegal: Revenge porn.

Our story begins with a young woman, an aspiring model who posed for nude photos thinking they would remain relatively obscured and within her control.

An ex-boyfriend is accused of posing as the woman to obtain photos from the photographer who took them. We aren’t naming him to protect the victim.

It is believed he also posted the photos on a revenge porn website used to publicly humiliate his ex.

The victim’s attorney says his client was subjected to emotional torment, and went as far as contacting Google to learn who was behind it.

When the suspect was identified, they filed a civil suit, the first of its kind in Michigan. The ex never responded, so no trial.

“He didn’t show up for the hearing, he just thought he could bury his head in the sand,” the attorney said.

The judge granted a default judgment for the victim in the amount of $500,000. Now, the ex has no choice but to appear and face the music.

When 7 Action News caught up with him outside the courthouse, he began a crude tirade, telling our reporter to “suck my ****.”

A few moments later, he stopped an apologized for his behavior, saying he came off harsh.

He said he couldn’t defend himself against the accusations because he couldn’t afford an attorney.