Penn vs. Paparazzi: Are They Really That Bad?

This just in: Sean Penn hates the paparazzi. The actor and human rights activist was recently quoted as saying, "I still think photographers should be lashed out at. They should be put in a cage and poked with a stick for a quarter. But not in a hostile way, just for giggles." Presumably he was being sarcastic, not serious, but I don't know...he hasn't really been very funny since Ridgemont High. Penn was arrested for fighting with a photographer, back when he was married to Madonna, and also was accused of pushing around some paparazzi at his brother's funeral in 2006. Anyway, he's ridiculous. I know it can't be that much fun to be trailed around and photographed all the time, but how bad it is, really? Just suck it up and smile, why don't you, Sean? Show the paps some love and confuse them. They might just get bored with you.
--David Schonauer

Comments

[Nova]

Some photgraphers should be poked for fun. Those that endlessly flash strobes at people trying to drive at night. Mr. Penn's comment was rather general. However the term Paparazzi means a very specific group of overly aggressive photographers. And your right, "Ridgemont High" was his funny peak. But "I am Sam" had it's moments to.

[David Schonauer]

I actually didn't like "I am Sam" very much. But I did like Penn a lot in "Mystic River." As for the paparazzi, come on, there's no excuse for saying anyone--let alone an entire group of people--should be locked in a cage and poked with a stick. Next it will be magazine editors who publish pictures.

[Ravi Bindra]

"... but how bad is it really?"

Well bad enough for at least one famous person to have died trying to escape the paparazzi. Intruisive enough for a photographer to push his way into the car of a celebrity couple & start firing away with a flashgun from just a few feet from their faces.

I guess walking down a public street & being snapped at is acceptable. What about a long telephoto lens while they are in the privacy of your own home or garden?

I have only met the paparazzi once in London. I came out of a restaurant & there were a dozen of them blocking the pavement. As I had a baby in a buggy I asked one to move as he had his backside on a car & his feet across the path. No response. I asked again, a look at me then his colleagues .. and nothing. so I called a policeman over but if there hadnt been one & I didnt have the baby, I would have done a "Penn". My blood boils even today at this incident.

These are the photographers you are defending. I do not associate myself with them and if you think they need defending, you can join them in my eyes,

Yours

Ravi

[David Schonauer]

First, I think you should be commended for not letting your anger get the best of you. Sean Penn has shown he can't do that. I won't defend rude behavior on their part, and I've seen them in action and know how boorish they can be. My point is that they simply shouldn't be open for attack because a pampered movie star says they should. As for Diana, she was indeed being chased by paparazzi, in a car driven by a guy who was so drunk he could barely stand up. When the accident first happened, every star in Hollywood came forward to say, "See, we told you so, these guys are bad." Then it was shown by law enforcement officials that the paparazzi weren't the cause of Diana's death. But for a while there it was open season on the photographers.

[Dan]

There should be limits on what should be allowed. The Stars should not complain when they use the poparazza for press coverange, But when they are in the privite area, they should be left alone, Also when they are with thier small children, as the kids should not be terrorized.

[Bob]

hmm maybe you should try being followed around at your brother's funeral by photographers...and then just smile with joy. I am sure you will just be bubbling over with excitement at a time like that...yeh real "ridiculous"

[Mack]

Im looking for a really cool old black and white photo of Mr. Penn punching a photographer i the head. Has anybody seen that photo and maybe know where I can find it??
thanks. Mack

[David Schonauer]

Seems like I know the one you mean, but I can't find it either.

[Sqixo]

I have been looking and all I found was you two saying you can't find it either. Fantastic.

[whatthecrap]

Why the crap is this here. i mean you guys act like your high or on shrooms. go talk to to a phyciatrist, or go to rehab. besides what's the piont of this web site anyway. Wiggers!

[Chuck Norris]

I blow dogs for quarters