Imagine being a family that was brought into the spotlight because your brother became a Boy Band pop star from a TV show and everything became watched by the paparazzi. For some celebrities it’s been harder than others to avoid the “limelight” and try to live “incognito” like the rest of the world. And as everyone knows with Papparazzi, they get the good, the bad and the ugly.
This is what happened to Liam Payne (31) after he died this past week in Argentina after falling from a balcony at his hotel. TMZ, a very popular show that always has the scoop on celebrities, were the ones to take and release photos of Payne’s dead body.
Here’s the problem with the cameras, there’s no consent involved. Whether it’s photos of newborns, weddings, fights, etc. It never goes unnoticed by anyone with technology, but especially TMZ and other news outlets. It’s no wonder the person of “interest” gets fed up and throws things at the cameras or shouts at them. Can you blame them?
If the government can set laws on social media and other apps that we use on a day to day basis, then the same needs to be said for cameras and people who stalk the elite. It is considered stalking when you’re camping out and waiting for the person to come out and snap hundreds of photos.
I am proud of the fandom One Direction created 10+ years ago to try and allow privacy for the family during this time. Due to our rage from the photos being released, TMZ took them down. Liam’s dad was able to get to the hotel to see the body while Directioners put their hands up to block the camera’s view. Most likely anything related to his son, Bear, or sister will be protected by the fandom as well for the next few weeks.
There must be a way to implement laws for the pap when it comes to tragic and unfortunate situations like this. It’s been confirmed that Liam had drugs in his system when he went over the balcony of his hotel room. For anyone with addiction this can be especially triggering and for someone to have the audacity to take photos… It’s unbelievable. Liam as well as the rest of the celebs are human like us. They deserve to have respect and privacy like anyone else, especially during a difficult time with addiction.
If you or someone you know are struggling with addiction, there is help. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for any aid during any crisis or time of trouble. Or 988 will also get you to the right place to talk to someone.
Featured Image via Ashley Newby
