“Celebrities, public officials and private citizens involved in newsworthy incidences are all legally defined as public figures”. (Boese 1) “Public figures actually have far fewer rights to privacy than an ‘ordinary person.’” (Boese 1) Public figures break down into three types:
• Public figure: A person who has achieved fame or notoriety or who has voluntarily become involved in a public controversy. A public figure (or public official) suing for defamation must prove that the defendant acted with actual malice. Example: Movie stars like Brad Pitt or Gwyneth Paltrow fall into this category.
• All-purpose public figure: A person who achieves such pervasive fame or notoriety that he or she becomes a public figure for all purposes and in all contexts. For example, a person who occupies a position with great persuasive power and influence may become an all-purpose public figure, whether or not the person actively seeks attention. Example: A company executive such as Michael Eisner or a politician like George W. Bush fall into this category.
• Limited-purpose public figure: A person who, having become involved in a particular public issue, has achieved fame or notoriety only in relation to that particular issue. Example: People involved in a controversy, such as the parents of JonBenet Ramsey, fall into this category. (Valdez …show more content…
Many times the cost of getting the photo is greater than the price paid from publications for the photo. However, sometimes the risk is worth it. A small fine for trespassing in exchange for a photo of high profile couple cheating on their spouses with each other would be worth it. “The tactics of the paparazzi center on this principle: Get a shot by any means necessary. The individual paparazzo is only limited by his or her resources, craftiness and nerve.” (Valdez 4) The paparazzi feel they have a right to take photos. The celebrities feel they have a right to privacy. The general public feels they have a right to know what’s going on with their favorite stars. Despite all the claims to rights, each needs the other to survive. Celebrities need their fans and the paparazzi. The paparazzi need the fans and celebrities. The fans need the celebrities and the paparazzi. Hopefully in the future, they can all can find a happy median and survive.
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