Sunday, April 23, 2006

The Jolie-Pitts request more privacy

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have asked for more security during their stay in Namibia, prompting local officials to clamp down on journalists vying for stories or pictures. The couple issued a statement, signed by both Jolie and Pitt, to a local journalist saying, "We love Africa and to be here in Namibia with our family is very special for us. To the local people who have been so kind and gracious, thank you for making us feel at home. As for the press, we kindly ask for more privacy so that we can enjoy this beautiful country with our children." Journalists require accreditation to work in Namibia, and a British photographer and three French photographers have been ordered to leave or face arrest. The Namibian prime minister defended the couple's wishes, saying, "The lady is expecting. You guys are harrassing her. Why don't you allow her some privacy? Harrassment is not allowed in Namibia. If a person says they don't want to be photographed then, of course, that person deserves protection"