The neighbors in Amy Winehouse’s upscale London neighborhood are tiring of the endless nights of parties, ever-present paparazzi and late-night shenanigans. She has been involved in two brawls in only two weeks.
Allegedly, she struck a man whom she claimed pinched her behind, and struck out at a fan who touched her hair. Now, a third brawl has been reported. In recent photos taken of the 24-year-old singer, it appears she is smacking her personal bodyguard.
Can’t a bodyguard get some respect?
This story illustrates–once again–that in this line of work you’re not only protecting the client from strangers, but protecting your client from themselves! (And to take it a step further, protecting yourself from yourclient!?)
Some celebrities will act out in the most inappropriate ways, and at the end of the day–you must decide for yourself if it’s worth the paycheck or damage to your own reputation.
I’ve seen celebrities behave in ways that have been appalling, and I’m not talking about individuals who were under my protection. I personally witnessed one mega-star (who wanted to show off to another celebrity) stand on stage and tell the male dancers in the show to drop their pants, in order to see the size of their genitalia!?! It was one of the most classless, tasteless things I’ve ever witnessed in this line of work.
It is important to agree ahead of time that when you are “protecting” your client, that it is not just keeping him or her from physical harm. It is also preventing them from acting in ways that will get them in trouble, or compromise their reputation. This could include drinking to excess, abuse of power, any behavior that is inappropriate–particularly in public. I’d say punching people falls into that category.
If you don’t have this understanding with your client, well, you’d best ready yourself for that mean right hook!
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