Prosecutors have decided not to charge Russell Brand for assaulting a Paparazzi at the Los Angeles airport, Hollywood News reported.
Our Los Angeles defense lawyers understand both sides of such assault cases and our Paparazzi defense attorneys handle cases in which a client has been charged with breaking the law, including trespassing, assault or stalking allegations.
At the time of the incident, Brand alleged the photographer was trying to shoot a picture up Kay Perry's skirt. Brand, 35, will still have to make a court appearance on Nov. 19. He was accused of striking and shoving the paparazzo.
"If you cross the line and try and put a lens up my dress, my fiance will do his job and protect me," Perry later wrote on her Twitter feed.
We understand celebrities become frustrated with reporters and cameras when they are not trying to promote their latest film or album. But you cannot assault members of the media, regardless of whether it's the paparazzi, or a reporter from your local television state, or Dan Rather. In fact, there is rarely an occasion where you can assault anyone except to protect yourself from physical attack.
County prosecutors likely decided not to press charges because the incident did not rise to the level of a felony. City prosecutors, who could file misdemeanor assault charges, report having no information about the case.
Celebrities court the media. The paparazzi are part of that equation. Tiger Woods may not be excited about reporters digging into his personal life and asking him questions about his divorce. But when it's not about the golf it doesn't mean that assault is a viable option.
Frequently, however, law enforcement does side with the celebrity. Woody Harrelson actually strangled a TMZ reporter in 2006, at least according to TMZ. But the LAPD sided with Harrelson.
More recently, Kanye West busted up the camera of a photographer at LAX and is due in court this month, according to Zimbio.
If you are facing charges in an assault involving the paparazzi, contact our Los Angeles defense lawyers and paparazzi defense attorneys at the law offices of Stephen G. Rodriguez for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
