A paparazzo was killed by oncoming traffic yesterday crossing the 405 freeway in Los Angeles after taking pictures of Justin Bieber’s Ferrari which was pulled over on the off-ramp. Bieber was not in the car at the time.
Being the enormously popular worldwide superstar that he is, Justin Bieber is in a constant battle for privacy. As this is the case, he has always had a tense relationship with the flock of unrelenting paparazzi that make their livings out of swarming him and others in his position. In order to capture photographs of these famous personalities, paparazzi often end up endangering both the people they are following as we as themselves. Princess Diana became a very real example of the inherent peril that arises when stars are forced to flee into their vehicles in an attempt to evade photographers.
Bieber himself was involved in a high-speed chase with paparazzi last July. This life-threatening incident prompted Los Angeles city councilman, Dennis Zine (who witnessed the pursuit) to warn people of the danger that the cocktail of paparazzi and celebrities leads to.
Though the photographers indicted in the 2012 case were slapped with criminal charges including reckless driving, celebrities and innocent bystanders alike are still waiting on comprehensive legislation that will provide enforceable punishments. How many more deaths will it take for the law to change?
By: D.D.
