The idea of being followed day and night seems like a nightmare to most, yet it is a reality for many of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities. From blocking cars and waiting outside of houses for hours on end, to asking incredibly invasive questions, the ethicality behind paparazzi has become a prominent question in recent times.

The history of paparazzi can be dated back to the 1950s, when they were created to gather unscripted pictures and videos of celebrities, very similar to their role today. Over the years, their reputation has become increasingly tainted as they are called invasive and immoral nuisances. Being paid up to $10,000 for a single picture, the profession is very rewarding in return for the controversy.

Isabelle Caldwell (12) thinks the paparazzi’s moral limits are being pushed daily.

“I think that it’s okay until it isn’t. It’s their jobs which I get, but they are borderline stalkers,” Caldwell said.

Paparazzi not only receive criticism from the media, but also from the celebrities that they capture pictures of. Celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Britney Spears and Kanye West have all gotten into altercations with paparazzi. These celebrities have even gone as far as to try to rip the camera from a paparazzo’s hands and have become engaged in fights.

Some celebrities take the matter of privacy and safety even further by taking the photographers to court. In 2009, George Clooney ordered legal justice towards a paparazzo after they scaled a tree outside of the movie star’s vacation home. He sued again after his fence was scaled so that a picture of his newborn babies could be taken.

Avery Gilley (10) finds the idea of paparazzi very invasive and doesn’t understand how they are allowed.

“I don’t think people deserve to be followed all the time just because they’re a celebrity. It’s insane and shouldn’t be legal,” Gilley said.

The result of the harassment, such as reckless driving, has brought dire consequences in the past. In 1997, Princess Diana was involved in a fatal car crash in Paris, France. The crash was a result of multiple different factors, one of which being that the princess’ chauffeur was driving dangerously to evade paparazzi. The princess’ death caused a large outcry against paparazzi and whether they should have a place in society. Celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Calvin Harris and Caitlyn Jenner have all been involved in car accidents with paparazzi being at fault.

Anthony Bonilla (10) thinks that paparazzi can be a bit creepy and invasive.

“I think that it is a bit invasive, but they aren’t breaking the law. I don’t think they’re necessary, but I don’t think they should be banned or anything,” Bonilla said.