Community | October 14, 2009 | 9 comments

Schwarzenegger signs new anti-paparazzi law

source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/14/paparazzi.law/index.html?iref=24hours

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(CNN) -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a new bill into law Sunday that will fine paparazzi for taking photos that invade a celebrity's right to privacy. The law also targets media outlets who purchase the photos.

The new California law makes it a crime to take and sell unauthorized photos of celebrities in "personal or familial activity." Violators face fines up to $50,000. The anti-paparazzi amendment takes effect in January.

Throngs of photographers often jockey to get the perfect shot of a celebrity, but that doesn't mean it's welcomed. Britney Spears famously had enough one night, taking an umbrella to a photographer's SUV.

In 1998, Schwarzenegger himself had his car swarmed by paparazzi while he was picking up his child from school.

Jennifer Aniston received $550,000 and an apology from a photographer who used a high-powered telephoto lens to shoot her in the backyard wearing only panties.

While paparazzi may get a bad rap for their methods, celebrity columnist Ben Widdicombe said things are not always what they seem.

"A lot of times the shot you see in the magazine is actually orchestrated by the celebrity themselves," said celebrity columnist Ben Widdicombe. "Celebrities like Britney Spears, for example, are infamous in the industry for letting their assistants tell the paparazzi when they'll be leaving the gates."

Celebrity photos can be big business, especially when it comes to major milestones. Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher reportedly pocketed $3 million from OK for their 2005 union. Eva Longoria and Tony Parker received $2 million from OK for photos of their lavish Paris, France, wedding.

Expectant celebrities can also rake in big bucks. People magazine reportedly paid $14 million for the first pictures of the Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie twins.
  1. groups:
    Community,   Current Tonight,   Webmash,   Odd News
  2. tags:
    California,  Paparazzi,  Schwarzenegger
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9 comments // Schwarzenegger signs new anti-paparazzi law

  • CarolineS
    • 0
      CarolineS  

    • This good news but has came too late, maybe now we wont see pictures of a celebrity coming out of a hairdressers or a shop splashed all over the papers like it's some important news! it was seriously dumbing down some people.
      It would be good if it was like it was back in the golden age of hollywood, there would never be a photo of Joan crawford or Marlene dietrich or marilyn monroe popping out to buy some shopping.

    • 2 years ago
  • bombastinator
    • 0
      bombastinator  

    • Sounds like a vulnerable law. I predict large legal battles.
      The problem is it's hard to differentiate legitimate investigative journalism from paparazzi work.

    • 2 years ago
  • timetide
    • 0
      timetide  

    • anybody else find it funny that this law passed right before his wife was caught by the paparazzi talking on her cell phone and driving. to me tis no big deal WTF she does personaly but the timing makes me laugh.

    • 2 years ago
  • JulianCommongold
    • 0
      JulianCommongold  

    • Good for him.
      And when the paparazzi refuse to cover legitimate publicity shot's that fuel the career's of these target's then they will resend the law.
      (longest run on sentence ever?)

      It is a city full of narcissist's people. Ya gotta take the bad wit tha good if you want to be a talking head.

    • 2 years ago
  • MotherForTruth
  • bombastinator
  • twbb5174
    • 0
      twbb5174  

    • Paparazzi who stalk celebrities every moment of their lives seriously disgust me - Hopefully this bill will let them have a little personal space back

    • 2 years ago
  • bombastinator
  • MotherForTruth
    • 0
      MotherForTruth  
    • twbb5174:

      bombastinator, there is no investigative journalism left in our society but plenty of gossip instead. I agree we need more investigative reporting but chasing TV celebrities does not qualify.

    • 2 years ago
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