Brangelina Safe in Namibia
 |
James Joyner @ Gone Hollywood | Monday, April 24, 2006 |
The government of Namibia is keeping the press away from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
Namibian authorities are clamping down on journalists trying to follow Brad Pitt, pregnant Angelina Jolie and her two adopted children after the couple asked for some privacy, according to a newspaper report Sunday.
South Africa’s Sunday Times said the couple’s security chief gave a local journalist a statement asking that they be left alone. “We love Africa and to be here in Namibia with our family is very special for us,” the statement said. “To the local people who have been so kind and gracious, thank you for making us feel at home. “As for the press, we kindly ask for privacy so that we can enjoy this beautiful country with our children.” The statement was signed by both Jolie and Pitt.
The Sunday Times said its own photographer and three French photographers were ordered to leave Namibia or face arrest. Journalists require accreditation to work in the country. Namibian Prime Minister Nahas Angula defended the move, saying the couple should be left alone. “This lady is expecting,” he told the Sunday Times. “You guys are harassing her. Why don’t you allow her some privacy? Harassment is not allowed in Namibia. If a person says they don’t want to be photographed then, of course, that person deserves protection.”
The couple and their entourage are staying at the luxury Burning Shores resort hotel between the scenic old colonial German town of Swakopmond and the resort of Walvis Bay, in an area where the desert sand dunes descend spectacularly to the sea.
Even though I’m running a celebrity gossip blog, I think the Namibian government is on to something. Celebrities should expect to have people gossiping about them but deserve some modicum of privacy. Whether that’s a proper function of government is another matter.
I do find it amusing that the name of their hotel is featured so prominently in the story, though. It’s as if the AP wants curious fans to stalk the couple.
- Brangelina Safe in Namibia
- Brangelina Welcomes Baby Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt
- Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt Birth Video
- Britney Spears May Have Baby in Namibia
- Brangelina Labor Day a National Holiday in Namibia?
- Pitt and Jolie to Sell Baby Photos
- Angelina Jolie in Labor?
- Maddox Jolie-Pitt is Taking on India
- Brangelina Chopper Lands in Trouble in India
- E! Fires Journalists for Trespassing
- Andrew McCarthy Held at Gunpoint in Ethiopia
- I Now Know Why Hef Dumped The Twins
- Darth Vader’s Real Wimpy Voice Revealed
- Bradley Cooper’s Make-Up Is A Disaster
- Brooklyn Decker’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover
- The Top 10 Oscar-Nomination Snubs
- Jersey Shore Grandma & Links To Hollywood
- Hugh Hefner Sued Over Playboy High Life
- Jennifer Aniston’s Ass Vacations With Gerard Butler
- Carrie Prejean Engaged To Rams Quarterback
Comments are Closed
The Namibian government is helping them? Hmm… that seems like a pretty good way to make some money for other governments: offer celebrities “safe havens” for a price. Russia tried supporting its space program with $20 million a pop trips to the Tin Can (space station); why can’t cash-strapped countries offer protection to beleagured celebrities for cash as well?