Celebs - Photo Ops?

[THL]

Based on this story:

Boca Raton Authorities May Charge Pesci

Police have confirmed that Oscar-winning actor Joe Pesci is being investigated after a fan said the star punched him in the mouth because he snapped a photo of him in a shopping center parking lot.

The "Goodfellas" star gave his account of the Jan. 22 incident last week at a Boca Raton home where he was staying, police spokesman Sgt. Jeff Kelly said. Garry Serino, who was with Pesci at the time, also gave police a statement.

Kelly did not provide details because of the investigation.

"There are two sides to every story," Kelly said.

Police were preparing to send the investigation results to the Palm Beach County prosecutors to determine whether Pesci should be charged with misdemeanor battery for allegedly punching Juan Carlos Montenegro, 24.

Montenegro, a Broward Community College student, told police that after encountering Pesci, 62, he shook the actor's hand and told him he was a big fan. He then purchased a camera, walked toward Pesci and asked for a picture, but the actor refused, he said.

Montenegro kept asking to take a picture, and when Pesci turned, Montenegro took the photograph. Pesci then punched him with his right fist, the report said.

If Pesci is charged, he would be issued a court summons, and would not be booked into the county jail, said Mike Edmondson, state attorney's office spokesman.

Pesci's attorney, Jay Julien, did not return a call for comment.

What do you all think? Should celebrities have to give up certain privacies that the general public has because they are celebrities? Should they have to endure their pictures being taken everytime they go for a jog, being asked for autographs when they are at dinner and being followed around by fans? Is this just a downfall of their job?

I am torn on my thoughts. One hand I feel that they are doing their job and it should not matter if that job places them on TV or in the movies, they should no be hounded, cornered and begged for photographs everytime they attempt to leave their homes (and in some cases, even when they are inside their homes). On the other hand, I feel like maybe they give should give up a little freedom based on the fact that the public is watching their movies and paying their (putrageous) salaries. Then I think that everytime someone visits a gas station owned by the oil company I work for, they are paying part of my salary and I would be pretty annoyed if people were taking my picture all the time. In fact, a few months back I got mad at (okay, not MAD, but seriously, seriously aggravated with) TH for showing a few select people he worked with a rare photo of me, so I can only imagine if people were pasting it all over the front of the Enquirer how I would feel.

Should Joe Pesci have slugged the guy? Probably not. But someone can only take so much.

What do you all think?

On another note...Anyone have photos of themselves with a celebrity they can post?

[dalem]

What do I think? I think it's illegal to punch people who are not threatening you whether you are Joe Pesci or Joe Schmoe.

That being said, I also think it's rude to take someone's picture when they ask you not to. I neither understand nor approve of celebrity worship.

-dale