EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Police Department and the city as well as producers have been presented with a complaint by a Riverside resident who says her privacy was violated when she was filmed against her wishes during a “Live PD” reality television show segment last summer.

Desiree Spitaleri claims she also suffered emotional distress after an EPPD officer approached her residence the night of July 12 when she answered wearing only a towel after just emerging from a shower. She is seeking $1 million in compensation.

Her attorney, Richard A. Sinapi, said the officer was evasive when questioned about the situation by the complainant and allowed a cameraperson on the show to continue filming even after Ms. Splitaleri took notice and asked it to stop. The officer, named as David Silva, told Ms. Splitaleri he was responding to a 911 call from the residence.

According to the complaint, Ms. Splitaleri almost immediately started to receive communications from relatives and friends about her appearance on the show. She later viewed the program herself, clearly showing her face and wearing just the towel.

Mr. Sinapi issued the following statement on the matter: “At this time, Ms. Spitaleri will not make any statements or participate in public commentary to protect what is left of her privacy and that of her family. Ms. Spitaleri is a very private person. She does not have a Facebook page or engage in social media. As one might imagine, the initial invasion of privacy — which was nationally broadcasted — caused her substantial embarrassment and emotional distress. Unfortunately, the recent publicity prompted by her efforts to seek redress for her injuries magnifies the harm by additional public attention and disclosure, including certain false narratives spread about Ms. Spitaleri in various social media platforms. We respectfully request that the public and media respect Ms. Spitaleri’s privacy and that attention instead be focused on how to avoid such flagrant invasions of privacy in the future.”

Live PD airs on the A&E Channel and is produced Big Fish Entertainment. Late last year, the city and EPPD announced they would cease taking part in the program.

The story has been reported by numerous local media outlets and first appeared at wpri.com.