LA Takes Aim at Paparazzi
Posted on August 1, 2008
Filed Under Assault, Celebrities, Criminal Law, Law, Los Angeles, News, Paparazzi |
Weary of the paparazzi feeding frenzies that trail celebrities wherever they go, Los Angeles politicians are considering cracking down on the professional shutterbugs. Though it’s a lack of professionalism that seems to be driving city leaders to rein in a situation that both celebrities and LA citizens say has gotten out of control.
Overly aggressive paparazzi have provoked attacks by celebrities’ bodyguards and even fans. Malibu surfers fought with photographers who stormed the beach to click pics of Matthew McConaughey. New mom Halle Berry pressed criminal charges against paparazzi who crept into her yard to sneak photos of her infant daughter. Numerous celebrities have been chased through city streets by packs of photographers, sometimes resulting in minor accidents.
Accusations — and sometimes punches — have flown from both sides. Celebrities say they feel harassed and endangered. Photographers say they’re just trying to make a living. LA politicians are fed up with what they see as increasingly confrontational and aggressive tactics. “This is a response to their lack of responsible behavior,” said LA City Councilman Dennis Zine, organizer of the new task force charged with finding a solution to the problem.
The most likely solution, one that even paparazzi have considered, is certification or registration of photographers to work as paparazzi. Paparazzi are freelance photographers which means any person with a camera can try to get in on the action. Supporters believe that registration would cull non-professionals from the ranks. Providing legitimate photographers with official credentials could help police determine who has a right to be onsite at celebrity sightings. It is also hoped that fear of losing their credentials might promote more professional and less aggressive behavior.
Under existing California law, paparazzi who break the law or use overly aggressive tactics to get a celebrity’s picture can be charged with invasion of privacy, criminal trespass, assault, false imprisonment, stalking or battery. California enacted the nation’s first civil anti-paparazzi law in 1999. Stringent punishments were added in 2005. Aggressive tactics can also lead to serious criminal charges. If you are charged during the course of your work as a paparazzi, seek the counsel of an experienced paparazzi criminal defense attorney.
-LegalPro
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