In California,the state has asked KEN STARR to take into consideration a suit to file against the"paparazzi".

What can the state do(Malibu,specific) to stop or curb the photographers?

The 'rights' these people have to take public photos and riot around public figures has been a problem for all celebs and those like them for years.

And then ,the fights that break out over a photographer getting too close,too personal,too much in the way...

Yes, I see the 'freedom' here,but! Where do we draw a line?

The suit is to be focused as a deterrent to this type of behavior and asks for a possible tax on the photographers.Sounds like a good idea.

Any thoughts?

I understand the argument that it's "the price of fame". However, when the situation becomes dangerous, it needs to be addressed. Look at what happened to Princess Diana. Also, at one time the paparazzi had respect for the stars' children. Those days are long gone. Imagine how frightening it must be for those kids.

Of course we, the public, are to blame as well. We continue buy the magazines, which is the whole point.

I don't know what the answer is, but yes - something should be done.

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Originally Posted by jjwoodhull

Of course we, the public, are to blame as well. We continue buy the magazines, which is the whole point.

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Yes Yes Yes,we do by the trash.But, I still like the tax on them idea,and why not?we tax just about every other trade/service.. etc,why not increase the taxes for this,of course it has to be constitutional and all,Which the paparazzi's legal team will fight tooth and nail.

I don't know exactly what you mean by "tax on them". Do you mean tax the sale of the picture? The problem there would be that only a small fraction of the pictures actually get sold.

I assume most of these people work freelance? So, how could they be taxed individually?

Do you have further details on what is being proposed?

Most of the Malibu celebs welcomed the paparazzi on their way up or when they have something to promote . It is a mutual relationship of a bunch of users.

There is no protection against someone taking your picture. But there are traffic laws ,laws against harassment ,and private property rights . When the paparazzi cross the line and violate these laws the authorities should be brought in and the celebrity should seek civil compensation .

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Originally Posted by tomder55

When the paparazzi cross the line and violate these laws the authorities should be brought in and the celebrity should seek civil compensation .

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And when does that ever happen,six months after the person being harassed beats the living heck out of some picture taker for violating their rights?And gets sued for doing it?

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Originally Posted by jjwoodhull

I don't know exactly what you mean by "tax on them". Do you mean tax the sale of the picture? The problem there would be that only a small fraction of the pictures actually get sold.

I assume most of these people work freelance? So, how could they be taxed individually?

Do you have further details on what is being proposed?

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Not yet, it was just an initial 'blerb' from the news this am.

And when does that ever happen ?

If it were me I would have 911 on speed dial on my cell phone. But I would also hire security .

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Originally Posted by tomder55

And when does that ever happen ?

If it were me I would have 911 on speed dial on my cell phone. But I would also hire security .

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Then the security guard gets sued.

http://www.newser.com/story/44707/be...-with-pap.html

May/'08
Malibu Mayor Pamela Conley Ulich said Thursday that she'd asked Starr, dean of the Pepperdine law school, to convene a group of experts in the media and legal community to help draft a city ordinance that might include "buffer zones" at certain locations as well as a possible tax on the paparazzi.

"They are like crows on a telegraph line, just rows and rows of them," Griffin said of the photographers. "They thought this is nice and comfy: 'I have my Starbucks, the taco stand and can even go surfing.' Who wants to sit in the Valley in 104 degrees?"

"They come right in their face when they come in and come out," Koursaris said. "They suffocate them. They have no regard for anybody or anything. They are not even afraid of the police."


But the idea, which had been prompted by a virtual siege at Spears' Studio City home and pursuits during her trips to hospitals, has met with lukewarm support, including from LAPD Chief William J. Bratton, who argued that no new laws are needed to deal with the problem.WHATTTT?

"We believe the laws on the books are sufficient to deal with anybody that violates them, whether it's driving inappropriately or reckless, obstructing movement, battery whatever it is," Whitmore said. "We would encourage anyone who is thinking of adding a new ordinance to contact the Sheriff's Department and the district attorney's office to see if such an ordinance is even feasible."

"I hope that Dean Starr and the committee recognize existing laws are sufficient to address the problem," Eliasberg said. "The courts allow a variety of legal remedies, both civil and criminal. To the extent that there's problems, it's an enforcement problem not a lack of laws problem.

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Originally Posted by tomder55

Most of the Malibu celebs welcomed the paparazzi on their way up or when they have something to promote . It is a mutual relationship of a bunch of users.

.

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I agree that this is the true 99% of the time. Also, some take it further and have their people alert the paparazzi as to their schedule.

However there is the other 1%. Also, the general public is at risk because of their willingness to go to any length to get the picture.

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We believe the laws on the books are sufficient to deal with anybody that violates them, whether it's driving inappropriately or reckless, obstructing movement, battery whatever it is," Whitmore said. "We would encourage anyone who is thinking of adding a new ordinance to contact the Sheriff's Department and the district attorney's office to see if such an ordinance is even feasible."

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I think the sheriff is right . What is needed is enforcement of existing laws.

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Then the security guard gets sued.

http://www.newser.com/story/44707/be...-with-pap.html
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This story indicates that it was the guard and Beckman who did the assault ;not the other way around.

I understand why the city wants these laws ; they want the celebs to live there . But they can't have it both ways. Star worship comes part and partial with stardom. I'm sure Malibu doesn't turn away the tourism $$$

So enforcement requires,what?

A state official posted with every celeb who leaves the safety of their own home/workplace/dance studio with their kids... etc?

Enforcing this is retroactive,now the proposal is looking PRO active(or pre),to stop the harassment from being a problem,before it is a problem.

The Sheriff seems to think he can do the job. I say unleash him and his staff.

Or release him from service and replace him(them)with competent,public servants(although there are fewer and fewer of this type of person available as they work for the PRIVATE sector)

LA City Council refused to levy any new limitations on Paparazzi in a meeting this week.
John Mayer had called for regulation of how paparazzi work ;asking for photographer credentials, marked cars for paps and a “law governing an acceptable filming distance from an unwilling subject [to keep] everybody safe and misbehavior accountable.”

I do not think such a restriction would pass a court challenge.

John Mayer is a perfect example of someone who has encouraged the paparazzi and used them for his own gain.

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Originally Posted by jjwoodhull

John Mayer is a perfect example of someone who has encouraged the paparazzi and used them for his own gain.

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Right,but until those who feel 'victimized' by the paps speak up(and then get condemned for speaking out... ) this is going to be the trend,the ones who get something(free advertising,front page shock value... etc) will dictate the policy to continue in the way it was.

The office of the President-elect Obama is getting a little tired of the paps also .

Obama bristles as the bubble closes in - Carol E. Lee - Politico.com