The paparazzi are susceptible to tort claims of intrusion if they harass and stalk the celebrities they are seeking to photograph. A famous case of intrusion involved paparazzo Ron Galella, who relentlessly pursued former First Lady Jacqueline Onassis (Kennedy) and her children. He followed son John Jr. on his bicycle and interrupted daughter Caroline while she played tennis. Once, he got very close to a boat carrying Jackie 0. in another boat to snap pictures. A federal court issued an injunction, ordering Galella from staying a certain distance away from Jackie 0. and her children.
A reviewing federal appeals court upheld the order and finding of an invasion of privacy. When weighed against the de minimis public importance of the daily activities of the defendant, Galella’s constant surveillance, his obtrusive and intruding presence, was unwarranted and unreasonable, the court wrote. If there were any doubt in our minds, Galella’s inexcusable conduct toward defendant’s minor children would resolve it.
- How did the invasion of privacy tort originate?
- What tort protects a person from being photographed in the bathroom?
- What happened in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan?
- What are examples of public officials and public figures?
- What is a public figure and why is that important to defamation law?
- What are common defenses to defamation claims?
- What if an editorial writer uses strong language to describe a person?
- What are the required elements of a defamation claim?
- What is defamation?
- What is a statute of repose?
- What is the discovery rule and how does it impact statutes of limitations in tort cases?
- What are statutes of limitations?
- Are all attorney or legal malpractice claims based on negligence law?
- What is an example of attorney malpractice?
- What is the standard of care for a physician?
- Is expert testimony required in medical malpractice cases?
- What are examples of professional negligence claims?
- What is medical malpractice?
- What is professional negligence?
- What is the concept of deep pockets?


