Khloe Kardashian's leaked unedited bikini snap was 'taken by grandma MJ'

The leaked photo of Khloe Kardashian that appears to be unedited was taken by her grandmother MJ.

Khloe's team battled to get the photo, which shows a bikini-clad Khloe, 36, in a candid moment, removed from the internet.

It was previously claimed by the Kardashians that an assistant took the now-viral shot, but it was actually her maternal grandmother Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon, according to new legal documents.

Kris Jenner's mum is named as the copyright holder of the picture in a statement shared by the family's lawyers.

The statement reads: "We are counsel for Mary Jo 'MJ' Shannon.

"Copies of a photograph, captured by our client, which captures her family member Khloe Kardashian in a private location (wearing a leopard print bikini), have been unlawfully posted online, without authorization."

It comes after the family's initial statement claimed the photo was posted by mistake.

Tracy Romulus, chief marketing officer for KKW Brands, said in a statement: "The colour edited photo was taken of Khloé during a private family gathering and posted to social media without permission by mistake by an assistant.

Kris Jenner's mum MJ (E! Entertainment)

Khloe's team battled to get the photo, which shows a bikini-clad Khloe in a candid moment, removed from the internet (Instagram)

"Khloé looks beautiful but it is within the right of the copyright owner to not want an image not intended to be published taken down."

According to Page Six, when the picture was taken Khloe was in the middle of a conversation over the weekend, and "features some edits."

In recent months Khloe has been trolled over her changing appearance.

MJ and Kim Kardashian (E!)

Many social media users have said she looks like she has a "different face" every time she posts a new selfie.

The Kardashians have never admitted to having plastic surgery.

Khloe opened up about the trolling in a recent Keeping Up with the Kardashians episode.

She said: "My soul is at a breaking point in regards to the public thinking they're allowed to talk about my weight, my face, my personal life."

Khloe added: "Actually, I don't want to hear this any more.

"I've always been incredibly open with this show and my life, but I just don't think I have it in me anymore. It's not healthy for my spirit."