Do Journalists Face Threats From Fans Of Celebrities?
Following Nicki Minaj’s infamous vaccine tweets last year that sent the world into a frenzy. Politicians, Scientists and Journalists worldwide, such as Chris Whitty, Boris Johnson and Dr. Fauci all responded to the remarks made by Minaj. Which followed with a journalist receiving death threats from the rapper’s fanbase, this raises a question around the safety of journalists when reporting on celebrities.
Sharlene Rampersad, a Guardian Media journalist was sent to track down Minaj’s family in Trinidad & Tobago in order to interview them, to write an article about the claims following the COVID-19 vaccine. Rampersad was allegedly harassing Minaj’s family and friends by obtaining their mobile numbers and home addresses. The reporter then continually messaged, called and showed up at their homes. Minaj stated via Instagram stories that Rampersad was even threatening her family. Minaj responded to Rampersad by posting her phone number online and wrote “Sharlene Rampersad B**** YOUR DAYS ARE F****** NUMBERED”.
In the following days Rampersad claimed that she received many death threats from Minaj’s fanbase. Guardian Media released an official statement defending the journalist denouncing “the use of aggression on social media to intimidate”. Further they wrote “This is unacceptable and we have taken all measures within our control to ensure her safety and security”.
Therefore, this raises a question around ‘Invasion of Privacy’. FindLaw define ‘Invasion of Privacy’ as an “ unjustifiable intrusion into the personal life of another without consent”. Although Guardian Media stated that the story was of local and international interest, and therefore, there was not any boundaries crossed. Furthermore, should journalists be allowed to post stories to allow for freedom of press? Or should journalists respect the privacy of celebrities and their families?
Maybe the answer is both. Journalists should be able to find a middle ground where they publish stories on the news, while respecting the boundaries of others.
