Do celebrities really have the right to moan about the paparazzi? đź“· (2024)

Over the years, paparazzi have come to be associated with an aggressive group of photographers, that stalk celebrities everywhere they go, to get a picture at any cost. Even if that means putting those around them in danger.

A celebrity publicist says: “I've had loads of terrifying experiences with paparazzi. There is no stopping them. I had a client who had people sitting outside her house and when she drove out in her car, one pap was so keen to get the shots that he was driving down the wrong side of the road beside her. He was driving erratically and breaking every possible driving rule. She was not only distressed at him driving and trying to get the picture but she was worried that a car could come around the corner and crash in them.”

Aside from the physical dangers, there can be an emotional impact on celebrities being tailed like this. “While some normalise the experience and accept it’s part of their lives, some people are more sensitive – they can become paranoid and anxious,” says psychologist Emma Kenney.

Leading British paparazzo, George Bamby, star of Channel 4 documentary, Confessions of the Paparazzi, argues that it’s all part of the celebrity game. He’s just doing his job. “It's a very specialist job. People think it's easy but it doesn't work like that. You have to get the right person doing the right thing and then selling it to the right person with the right story. It's all about how you package it. Coleen Rooney walking down the street is not that interesting but looking angry at Wayne is.

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"When celebrities see me they usually tell me to 'fk off' or call me a 'fat b***d'. They call me all sorts of names. It doesn’t bother me, it makes me want to get pictures of them even more.”

Do celebrities really have the right to moan about the paparazzi? đź“· (2024)

FAQs

Can celebrities do anything about paparazzi? ›

Moreover, if a public figure has been photographed against their will on their private property, they may be able to sue the photographer, and obtain rights over the picture. If you believe you have rights to a photograph of yourself taken by someone else, our firm has the resources to help.

Do celebrities really call paparazzi? ›

Whether A-lister or otherwise, the reason that celebrities notify paparazzi of their whereabouts is the same. “It's an exposure game,” says Chad Teixeira, the chairman of the celebrity PR firm Daddy the Agency. “It's about keeping relevant.” Teixeira often contacts paparazzi on behalf of his clients.

Can celebrities get restraining order against paparazzi? ›

Some public figures and celebrities have expressed concern at the extent to which paparazzi go to invade their personal space. The filing and receiving of judicial support for restraining orders against paparazzi has increased, as have lawsuits with judgments against them.

Can celebrities smash paparazzi camera? ›

They can and some have. Sometimes celebrities are pushed passed their limit and they just can't take it anymore, so they snap. Some celebrities have even been in actual fights with the paparazzi on more than one occasion -- breaking cameras, spitting on them, or even punching them! It can get pretty intense.

Can paparazzi go to jail? ›

Encroachment. Illegal intrusion into private property, which is a restricted area or no trespassing area. For such an offense, you may be threatened with 6 months in jail and a fine of 1,000 is also imposed.

Can people sue paparazzi? ›

Under the Supremacy Clause to the U.S. Constitution, federal law trumps state law when the two conflict. If a paparazzo's photo is considered an original work of expression, it is protected under the Copyright Act, and a right of publicity claim against it will likely fail. [19]Id.

Are all paparazzi photos staged? ›

She explains, "A lot of it is paid and staged. And I feel like you can really tell it's one of those staged photos when it's well-curated — there's not people in the background, the girls have their makeup and hair done, they have the outfit on. I feel like that's a really good telltale sign of [a setup]."

How much are paparazzi paid? ›

As of May 7, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Paparazzi in the United States is $27.25 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing hourly wages as high as $36.06 and as low as $18.99, the majority of Paparazzi wages currently range between $22.60 (25th percentile) to $36.06 (75th percentile) across the United States.

Does Kim call paparazzi? ›

The notion that the Kardashians call the paparazzi on themselves is a misconception. While their strategic use of social media and PR efforts contribute to media coverage, it is essential to recognize that the paparazzi operate independently, seeking out opportunities to capture exclusive photographs.

Are there laws to protect celebrities from paparazzi? ›

There is no federal right of publicity and state laws vary from state to state. Individuals can post images of themselves taken by someone else if they have permission. However, in some instances, they may be able to do so without permission.

What celebrity lawsuits with paparazzi? ›

In addition to Cyrus, Lipa and Kardashian, many other celebrities have found themselves facing copyright cases after posting photos of themselves. Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande have also been sued – by the same photographer who filed suit against Cyrus and Lipa this year.

Do paparazzi need permission? ›

In the United States, photographs that are taken for editorial use in a public place generally enjoy Constitutional protection under the right of free speech. This right is not without limit, though.

Do paparazzi break laws? ›

California passed a new anti-paparazzi law on Tuesday that will implement harsher penalties for photographers found breaking traffic laws or interfering with the operation of a celebrity's car while in pursuit of a photo. Under this new legislation, those guilty can receive a fine of up to $5,000 or a year in prison.

What laws protect paparazzi? ›

Section 1708.8 provides protection for anyone's privacy. Section 1708.7 limits harassment activities of anyone—including paparazzi—who stalks victims.

What laws protect celebrities from paparazzi? ›

Section 1708.8 provides protection for anyone's privacy. Section 1708.7 limits harassment activities of anyone—including paparazzi—who stalks victims.

What can be done about paparazzi? ›

Similarly, one cannot misappropriate the likeness of a person, even a celebrity or politician, to promote any goods or services without permission. Doing so can create civil liability for misappropriation of likeness which can lead to injunctions, compensatory, and even punitive damages against the misappropriator.

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