MATTIS: Nude-photo-sharing scandal is 'unacceptable and counter to unit cohesion'

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis released a statement condemning alleged sharing of nude photos by US military personnel, saying such behavior is "unacceptable and counter to unit cohesion."

"The purported of civilian and military personnel on social media websites, including some associated with the Marines United group and possibly others, represent egregious violations of the fundamental values we uphold at the Department of Defense," Mattis said, according to a statement obtained by Andrew deGrandpre at Military Times.

The statement comes just one day after Business Insider reported that every military branch had been affected by the nude-photo-sharing scandal, not just the Marine Corps.

Mattis added that the Pentagon was "taking all appropriate action" to investigate any inappropriate action by service members.

"Lack of respect for the dignity and humanity of fellow service members of the Department of Defense is unacceptable and counter to unit cohesion," Mattis said. "We will not excuse or tolerate such behavior if we are to uphold our values and maintain our ability to defeat the enemy on the battlefield."

This story is developing. More to come...