Celebrity News January 02, 2013
Justin Bieber Calls Paparazzo's Death a 'Tragedy,' Offers Prayers
“Believe” singer Justin Bieber released a statement expressing shock and sadness over the death of paparazzo Chris Guerra, who was killed on New Year's Day while attempting to take photos of Justin's Ferrari.
Justin's statement began: "While I was not present nor directly involved with this tragic accident, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim.”
According to TMZ, rapper Lil Twist, 19, was pulled over on an I-405 off ramp in L.A. while driving Justin's car. The photographer reportedly thought Bieber was in the white Ferrari and attempted to get a shot of the pop star.
Police repeatedly asked Guerra to return to his vehicle. He eventually walked back to his car, and that's when he was hit by an elderly woman, says X17. Neither drugs nor alcohol were involved, according to TMZ, and
Bieber's statement added, "Hopefully this tragedy will finally inspire meaningful legislation and whatever other necessary steps to protect the lives and safety of celebrities, police officers, innocent public bystanders, and the photographers themselves.”
In July, Justin was involved in a high-speed chase with a pack of paparazzi. The singer was ticketed for speeding and one snapper was slapped with reckless driving. L.A. City Councilman Dennis Zine, who witnessed the incident, called it a “tragedy waiting to happen.” He has already sponsored legislation that would crack down on dangerous behavior of photographers.
