Paparazzi photos, especially candid ones, are rarely flattering. And the tabloids that publish them seldom compliment the subject of the photos, rather they use inflammatory words to describe the person.
The latest celebrity to get caught in this mess was the former Baywatch star Erika Eleniak who shared a tearful response to the derogatory comments made about her appearance.
“You probably don’t think about this, but these stories that you create, not only are they harmful, they are so unsafe,” she said in an emotional Instagram post.
Eleniak explained how she was walking her dog “in sweats, no makeup” when she spotted two cars that were following her.
“It was so weird. It was so disconcerting,” she said. “I was actually scared.”
That same day she saw the photos of her walking her dog in her neighborhood, and along with plenty of rude comments about her appearance.
She took to Instagram to address the photographers and vowed to treat them in a similar way the next time she encountered them on the street.
“The next time I see any of you I’m going to take a picture of you. Believe me when I tell you.”
“I’m going to find your yearbook picture,” she threatened. “I’m going to find a picture of you from 20 or 30 years ago, and let’s post you shall we?”
The Desperate Housewives guest star explained how not only are the stories and photos “harmful,” but they can lead people to her home. She explained how on her birthday she spent six hours with detectives after a stalker showed up at her front door.
“I’m sure none of this matters out there to you, paparazzi, but karma is rich.”
Through tears Eleniak thanked her supporters, clarifying that it was those who came to her defense that made her cry not the paparazzi.
“These are tears of absolute humble gratitude for you guys out there that are taking my back. I really appreciate you so much. You mean a lot to me.”
READ MORE:
- Erika Eleniak is now 53, and the former Baywatch star is beautiful as ever
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sue paparazzi to protect son Archie’s right to privacy
Erika, we are on your side and support you 100%. It is awful when paparazzi take such unflattering photos and then sell them to tabloids. And then the comments that people are allowed to anonymously make online… it’s not fair to you.
