Steven Tyler to testify in Hawaii on anti-paparazzi law

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith performs on NBC's "Today" at Rockefeller Plaza on November 2, 2012, in New York. / Getty

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler plans to attend a legislative hearing in Hawaii on Friday over a bill that bears his name and would limit people's freedom to take photos and video of celebrities.

Hawaii's Senate Judiciary Committee plans to consider the so-called Steven Tyler Act Friday morning, the first time lawmakers will discuss the bill publicly.

"The paradise of Hawaii is a magnet for celebrities who just want a peaceful vacation," Tyler said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. "As a person in the public eye, I know the paparazzi are there and we have to accept that. But when they intrude into our private space, disregard our safety and the safety of others, that crosses a serious line that shouldn't be ignored."

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Steven Tyler

More than a dozen celebrities have submitted testimony supporting the bill, including Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Neil Diamond, Tommy Lee and the Osborne family.

Opponents say the bill could be unconstitutional.

Laurie Temple, an attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union, said Thursday the bill would punish freedoms of expression protected by the First Amendment.

The bill would open up photographers, videographers and distributors to civil lawsuits if they take, sell or disseminate photos or videos of someone during private or family moments "in a manner that is offensive to a reasonable person."

The bill doesn't specify whether public places, like Hawaii's beaches, would be exempt. The bill says it would apply to people who take photos from boats or anywhere else within ocean waters.

[Cadeflaw]

Even entertainers have a right to "Privacy". What the Paparazzi do is a form of bullying. They bait their targets to get the worst possible pictures and then they publish them with a story that is sensationalized and made up. Most people do not know how tabloids work and the damage they have done. Princess Diana was killed while being chased by paparazzi. If the paparazzi had not been chasing her for the "money shot" she would still be alive. Same thing with Michael Jackson. If the paparazzi had not been holding back the ambulance Michael Jackson might have made it to the hospital faster. The paparazzi held up the ambulance because they pushed a camera up against the window to get the "money shot" of Michael. The ambulance driver couldn't proceed because the pap photographer was in the way. Although Mr. Jackson may have been dead we don't know this for certain; and someone else might be prevented from getting to medical help in time to save their life. A gentleman was killed trying to get a photo shot of Justin Bieber. Was his life worth losing for a photo? I don't think the photo shot was worth more than his life. People, whether rich or poor, deserve some privacy. That is also one of their rights of enjoyment. I support Mr. Tyler and his ACT.

[hypnotoad72]

What a communist that lady is.