LA officials to devise plan to tame paparazzi

In a move to put an end to constant hounding of Hollywood stars by the paparazzi, local officials in and around Los Angeles have decided to devise a plan to put legal reins on the media.

London, Aug 1 : In a move to put an end to constant hounding of Hollywood stars by the paparazzi, local officials in and around Los Angeles have decided to devise a plan to put legal reins on the media.

Officials from popular celebrity areas like Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Malibu will be meeting to discuss ways of controlling photographers.

They have raised concerns that in recent years, the paparazzi have grown more aggressive and confrontational.

"This is a response to their lack of responsible behaviour," BBC quoted Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine, who has organised the meeting, as saying.

Earlier this year, Zine put forward a plan to create a "personal safety zone" around celebrities, which according to the police officials would be virtually unenforceable.

Also, he recommended that the paparazzi should be legitimised by giving credentials and clear rules.

Mayor Pamela Conley Ulich said that many residents in Malibu have complained about the behaviour of photographers, which included high-speed car chases and lurking outside schools.

Recently, actress Halle Berry accused a photographer of trespassing on her property just to get some pictures of her with her four-month-old daughter.

In fact, in June, a group of surfers in Malibu had a fight with photographers who were trying to take shots of Matthew McConaughey on the waves.

This month, police caught two photographers lingering near Britney Spears' home.

"As it stands today, the sheriff's department is confident and comfortable that the laws that exist provide enough to ensure the safety and security of residents," said a spokesman for Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca.

ANI