by Michel R. Baylor

Created on: February 14, 2008   Last Updated: February 20, 2011

In the latter half of 2010, new legislation was passed to relieve celebrities of the bombarding, intrusive, and overly aggressive stalking behavior of some paparazzi.   Photographers, who trespass, impede the free flow of traffic, and hound entertainers, will face stiffer penalties.  In the first of only two paparazzi laws implemented, paparazzi who invade people’s privacy were subjected to stiff penalties. 

The new legislation is significant in that it imposes fines of up to $5,000.00 and requires paparazzi to respect the space and privacy of celebrities.  The law is, however, controversial.  The buzz online is that the laws are ineffective.  Paparazzi continue to aggressively stalk “they’re prey” to get that million dollar shot.  If nothing else, the law did make both the paparazzi and celebrities rethink “social norms and values.”

“The latest attempt to broker peace between stars and stalkers came in January, when a new anti-paparazzi law went into effect in California.  Championed by Jennifer Aniston—after she was snapped topless in her backyard—and signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, himself a target, the bill was heralded as a major reform.”  (The DailyBeast.com)

As seen on television news broadcasts and other programs, the invasive behavior of paparazzi photographers is still unbridled, disrespectful, and destructive.  It is offensive to the freedom of living and being.  Feverishly chasing someone around robs that person of their freedom and right to be!  Personal property and personal space are invaded.  It is a violation.  The victim says "no," but the desperate predator says "yes!"

Brad Pitt, calling for stiffer paparazzi laws stated, "Let me be very blunt: I hate them. I hate these people. I don’t understand why they do that for a living.  We’ve got to make a distinction between these people who photograph celebrities at events and people who climb over your walls or wear camouflage and call out your kid’s names as you’re trying to take them to school to see if they’ll look that way.”  (www.imnotobsessed.com)  Actor, Brittany Spears and other entertainers have become violent attempting to maintain their personal space.

Invasive photographers place celebrities at a great disadvantage, their lives are instantly magnified and put on blast.  Imagine if someone

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