Paparazzi Controversy

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Paparazzi do not have free reign to invade celebrities’ lives and celebrities have a right to privacy. Paparazzi are photographers who take pictures of celebrities. These photos are usually taken while these public figures are doing normal, everyday activities. Many issues have surfaced as a result of overzealous paparazzi; such as the tragic death of Princess Diana, Steven Tyler’s lawsuit, and Hawaii and California’s new laws. One of the events that have taken place as an effect of overly zealous paparazzi is Princess Diana’s death. The Princess of Wales, Diana, was killed in a car accident in 1997 while being chased by paparazzi. Sue Neiboer states, “five paparazzi on motorcycles were following Princess Diana, who was traveling in a blue …show more content…

Celebrities and public figures deserve the right to privacy and to have the peace of mind they need to know they will not be harmed by paparazzi attempting to pursue photos of them. Only a week before the accident, the Princess of Wales states in an interview, “The press is ferocious. It pardons nothing. It only hunts for mistakes. Every motive is twisted, every gesture is criticized,” (Neiboer 9). Paparazzi can be overzealous and go to great lengths to take a photo of celebrities for the public …show more content…

Jack Komperda says, “a British newspaper published unflattering photos of Tyler walking the beaches of Maui not far from his recently purchased home in nothing but camouflage Speedos and some beaded jewelry while holding a pair of snorkeling flippers.” Tyler testified in a hearing in February of 2013 for the pictures taken of him in his underwear (Komperda 25). Steven Tyler was the one pushing for an anti-paparazzi bill to be put into place in Hawaii Legislature. On Tuesday, March 5, 2013, Hawaii Senate passed this bill. Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez states, “The bill would make taking unwanted photos or encroaching on private moments a civil violation.” Steven Tyler wanted this bill to be passed to assist himself and all other celebrities who struggle with the paparazzi invading their private lives. The SB465 bill explicitly says,"if the person captures or intends to capture, in a manner that is offensive to a reasonable person, through any means a visual image, sound recording, or other physical impression of another person while that person is engaging in a personal or familial activity with a reasonable expectation of privacy," This bill, also know as the ‘Steven Tyler Act,’ makes it more difficult for paparazzi to invade on public figure’s personal lives without being sued. Lilly Chapa explains this new law by stating, “This bill is an “anti-paparazzi bill that would

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