package python3-pil 3.1.2-0ubuntu1 failed to install/upgrade: subprocess new pre-removal script returned error exit status 1

[Bill Gray]

several instances of error popup during initial startup after boot and sign on.

ProblemType: Package
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 16.04
Package: python3-pil 3.1.2-0ubuntu1
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 4.8.0-45.48~16.04.1-generic 4.8.17
Uname: Linux 4.8.0-45-generic x86_64
NonfreeKernelModules: nvidia_uvm nvidia_drm nvidia_modeset nvidia
ApportVersion: 2.20.1-0ubuntu2.5
Architecture: amd64
Date: Wed Mar 29 22:33:12 2017
ErrorMessage: subprocess new pre-removal script returned error exit status 1
InstallationDate: Installed on 2017-03-29 (0 days ago)
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 16.04.2 LTS "Xenial Xerus" - Release amd64 (20170215.2)
RelatedPackageVersions:
 dpkg 1.18.4ubuntu1.1
 apt 1.2.19
SourcePackage: pillow
Title: package python3-pil 3.1.2-0ubuntu1 failed to install/upgrade: subprocess new pre-removal script returned error exit status 1
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

Status changed to 'Confirmed' because the bug affects multiple users.