Going too far? Gary Coleman deathbed photos published

By Pat Elliott Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger June 9, 2010 - 6:31pm

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I've seen several articles today about the tabloid newspaper publication of photographs of actor Gary Coleman while he was in intensive care in the hospital and in the process of dying. The reports indicate that his former wife brought a professional team of photographers to the bedside and orchestrated the photos, then shopped them around to various media outlets, and got paid $10,000. It's also alleged that the package of items for sale included a photo of the actor after he had died.

Pardon my language, but WTF? Is nothing sacred anymore? Is the quest for the dollar and "fame" and attention and tabloid newspaper sales at the point where something like this is acceptable? Does this mean that in addition to worrying whether we will be subjected to tiny cameras capturing embarrassing moments or sexual activity during our lives we also now may have to worry about pictures being taken of us while we're dying or dead?

What are your thoughts about this? Some are suggesting the public should boycott the newspaper and not buy it in order to send a message that this type of exploitation is unacceptable. Are there other actions that people could take? Or is this the price that people now have to pay for fame while they're alive?

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Diane Porter

I heard about this too, and I think it's so sad and just disgusting. I cannot imagine anyone who is losing a loved one thinking like this. He is dying, and at his most vulnerable, and the person who is supposed to love and cherish him hires a photographer? And sells the pictures? It's absolutely horrible. I am stunned that a publication bought them.

And most of all, I think it raises questions about his wife that would probably make him very sad. At his most vulnerable, she too preyed on his privacy. A nightmare.

June 10, 2010 - 9:04am