The Italian word “paparazzi” is the plural form of the word “paparazzo.” Simply put, a paparazzo is a freelance photographer who pursues celebrities in attempts of photographing them. Paparazzi are when a swarm of these photographers circle a celebrity then pounce with camera in hand and are ready to snap the newest and hottest photo.
Many people are obsessed with following celebrities and relish the latest photo. It’s one thing to read an article about your favorite celebrities actions but a photo is worth more than a million words. Photos are tangible, they are visual, and they present the viewers an image of the celebrities’ real life, a glimpse of something that words alone can never truly depict, at least not in vivid color.
It ‘s understandable that people, media, and society as a whole want photos of celebrities. However, what is questionable is the length that paparazzo take to obtain those pictures. In essence, modern day paparazzi use any method necessary and often break the law all in a day’s work. There have been numerous instances of car accidents occurring because a celebrity or other notable figure was being followed, chased, and stalked by members of the paparazzi. One of the most famous cases, though never proved, is Princess Diana. Many believe that it was the actions of the paparazzi that led to their fatal accident. Often, when paparazzi are chasing a target and an accident ensues, the paparazzi are quick to assist. They are first on the scene and verify every aspect of the accident by snapping photos of the cars, victims, and police and emergency crews that arrive. Haven’t you ever wondered how the media and press get all those great “first hand” shots of wrecked vehicles and distraught and panicked celebrities? It’s typically because the paparazzi and their stalking presence contributed to the crashes that they then photograph.
For example, the website TMZ is notorious for stalking celebrities then releasing and airing the photos and videos that document the activities.
George Clooney has recently spoken about the problems celebrities face when the paparazzi break laws to get pictures. He and his girlfriend were recently involved in a motorcycle accident while trying to outrun the paparazzi. He also mentioned Britney Spears as she has repeatedly driven over the feet of paparazzi that were chasing her car. George Clooney was reported as saying that he believes that the paparazzi have the freedom to photograph celebrities but not the freedom to break the law in order to get the next picture.
The trouble rests with current laws and the way public officials and celebrities fit in to those laws. Currently, in the United States, paparazzi (and common citizens) have the right to photograph any public official in a public place. However, it is apparent that current laws need to be addressed and subsequently changed because there are just too many instances of paparazzi endangering the well-being and safety of public officials and getting away with it.
Personally, I believe that the best recourse is for celebrities to sue as soon as their safety, privacy, and well-being becomes threatened. Many states have also enacted stalking laws and I think that it would be beneficial for celebrities to use whatever means necessary to take paparazzi to court to ensure their safety. There are many celebrities and public officials that are very politically minded and vocal. It’s time for celebrities to band together and work on changing these laws that allow paparazzi to endanger the lives of celebrities, public officials, and their families.
