Paparazzi Files Hit and Run Suit
Posted on May 2, 2008
Filed Under Celebrities, Hit & Run, Los Angeles, Paparazzi |
Generally it’s the celebrities who are filing suit against the paparazzi. Last week paparazzi Glen Gurniak turned the tables when he filed a hit and run suit against rocker Benji Madden and passenger Paris Hilton for allegedly driving over his foot before speeding away.
Paparazzi are often berated and sometimes sued by celebrities for invading their privacy or using overly aggressive tactics to take photos and videos. When dozens of paparazzi follow a star, all angling for a saleable photo, things can and often do get crazy. As many as 30 paparazzi regularly follow Miley Cyrus’ every move jostling to get a picture they can sell to People, Us or one of the many fanzines. Some celebrities are able to take the constant attention in stride. Others feel violated and badgered by what they perceive to be an unrelenting attack. Some celebrities are so spooked by paparazzi attention, they panic when approached.
There have been cases of criminal trespass, assault, stalking and battery; though to be fair, assault and battery have occurred on both sides of the camera lens. On numerous occasions celebrities have pushed or slugged paparazzi they felt were too aggressive. Sometimes the attacks seem warranted; other times they don’t.
California enacted the anti-paparazzi law in 1999 to protect celebrities against invasion of their privacy. In 2005, the Anti-Paparazzi Act was passed to beef up punishments and damage awards to celebrities and to strip paparazzi of their right to profit from images taken during illegal intrusions.
California also has strict laws about hit and run accidents. It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without providing proper driver documentation to the injured party. This is true no matter how small or large the extent of damage. It is true when property is damaged and absolutely necessary when a person is injured. Failing to do so can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the seriousness of the accident.
It’s easy to see both sides of this particular altercation. It will be interesting to see how it plays out in the courts, if it gets that far.
- LegalPro
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The pap who put his foot under the wheel is just trying to put a quick money scam since he’s in debt and no longer works for tmz being that they found out he’s a sex offender.