Invasion of Privacy

Rick Patterson

Attorney

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Celebrities seem to have a love hate relationship with the media. Although they need publicity in the line of business that they are in, they often complain about being hounded relentlessly by photographers, the very people they seem to need.

There is little that can be done about the problem here in the United States, given the fact that quite often the press photograph public figures while they are out in public. They are considered "fair game" and there is no satisfying legal action that can be taken just because your picture was taken in public.

On the other hand, in the United Kingdom, there are laws in effect to address the invasion of privacy issue. The PCC code deems "harassment" and "persistent pursuit" illegal, however how much can really be achieved by filing suit. The very nature of the law is retroactive. One has to have had their privacy invaded before they can have a cause of action. The problem is, at that stage, what was once private is then public.

In the United Kingdom, Kate Middleton, girlfriend of Prince William, is currently being pursued relentlessly by English photographers. Although she does have a cause of action there is little to be gained from pursuing it. It seems, even with the stiffer privacy laws that England has implemented, Ms. Middleton has no more privacy than any famous American.