Readers say, ‘Leave Britney alone!’

The press is at fault
I think the "media" is very much to blame for her problem. I use the word "media" very loosely. They are more like pack animals out for the kill. The "media" apparently has a right under "freedom of the press," but doesn't Britney have the right to go out and not be harassed?
— Doris, Bridgewater, NJ

This is the first story I have read about Britney Spears. I read it for no other reason than the topic. Covering her is NOT news, it is an invasion of privacy and I have NO doubt that the neverending paparazzi have contributed to her downfall. It is not about news, it is about money and her, and Paris, and Lindsey Lohan and every other celebrity are the cheap and winning lotto ticket for these scavengers, including the networks, magazines and outlets that deliver this garbage. It is awful. Does Britney bear some responsibility? Of course, we are all responsible for our behavior, but the media has forced this girl to act (and become?) nuts. It is the same appeal of porn, NASCAR and the myriad of sensationalistic "reality" shows showing explosions, crimes, cheating spouses and rehabbing celebrities. Simple answer is that their continuing popularity is that, apparently, so few people HAVE lives that they need to live vicariously through the lives of others, all others, celebrity or not. It is a sorry indictment of our culture and society. Stop watching this crap and read a book! And... NO, the Weekly World News is NOT a book.
— Jim, Chicago

Yes I do think they are partly to blame -- bad press that she must be aware of becomes part of the vicious downward circle she is stuck in. I read the articles because I know how it is to have to fight for my children, I had a manipulative ex, also I have battled depression, as did my mother who succumbed to suicide, so I am cheering for her to get better and be bigger than ever. If that is what she wants to do, perhaps she'll disappear gracefully in the end and enjoy her family.
— Sara, Hull, UK

The press needs to back off PERIOD! Causing car accidents and mental anguish, when is enough enough? Does someone have to die at their hands again to make them even think of changing? What about Princess Diana? They horrifically took pictures of her after her death. What an atrocity!! They might be surprised to hear how many people really don't care about the celebrities. Does Jennifer Lopez really needs to get paid $6 mil for a picture of her children when there are babies starving all over this world? GIVE ME A BREAK PLEASE!!! It is a disgrace what people do for money!
— Christina, Hudson, Fla.

Thank you. Finally someone is speaking the truth. Britney does court the attention, being famous invites a certain invasion of privacy. There is a limit though. She is obviously, a seriously ill young woman. Not only does Britney and Owen Wilson, and others who are struggling (or have struggled) with personal problems have to fight their own real demons, they are also having to fight those generated by the tabloids. It is hard to work on your personal issues, when they are thrown out to the public, picked apart, and exaggerated. Freedom of Speech has turned into an adult version of the game Gossip. Now, anyone can say whatever they want about someone, and people believe it because they read it. Tabloids and tabloid bloggers/gossip Web sites have stripped legitimate journalism of its credibility. Freedom of Speech is now Freedom of Propaganda. What a sad day for America.
— Kelliegh, Alabama

The media is primarily to blame for Britney Spears problems. She flashes, you use a flash. Britney is using the media within her sickness. I do not read Britney stories. I am just glad I am a nobody. Money talks and bull---- walks. There is money to be made in stalking Britney. She is sick and the media is just as sick. I long for the days of just the news ... David Brinkley and Huntley of course.
— Richard, Lompac, Calif.

I think that she could use a little quiet time. She's addicted to the press. But they damage her. Even by hiding herself, she's still playing the press game.
— Ben, Shell Lake, Wis.

I believe the press should stop tormenting a lot of celebrities. While I enjoy watching/seeing reports on the lives of celebrities, I believe invasive photographs and constant criticism and ridicule of these same celebrities is unethical and those who participate should be ashamed of themselves. It has been shown that Britney is not competent to take responsibility for her actions so those "reporters" taking advantage are at fault.
— Debra, Bay City, Mich.

The media has definitely added to Britney Spears' stress level. Hoards of photographers and reporters smothering you, following you and just being "in your face" would affect anyone. Life itself is stressful enough. I read the stories out of curiosity, interest, and unbelief. It's almost like watching a movie. I can't wait to view the happy ending. I truly feel so very sorry for her and her family and wish them the very best. … I don't believe Britney bears any responsibility. She seems like a deer frozen by the headlights of an oncoming car. I don't believe she has any realization of her personal actions causing anything. She just seems like she's trying to figure this hard life out and survive it.
— Brenda, Farmington, NY

The media assault on Britney is shameful and contributed in every way to her problems. The paparazzi are stalkers and should be treated as such. The ambulance shot is particularly disturbing -- the police should not have allowed them such close proximity. BRITNEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN AND SHOULD BE LEFT ALONE.
— Anne, Brisbane, Australia

I absolutely agree and think the media should back away. I don't understand why local law enforcement won't help the situation. When you can't even move your car because so many people are around surely a law has been broken. And to distract a motorist -- surely this is not safe for the "not famous". Must we have another person be killed by the media before we pass a law or will we have some sort of decency about ourselves? Everyone does deserve some privacy and has the right to go shop in peace.
— Dana, Little Rock, Ark.

Yes, the media is partially to blame for exacerbating an existing mental illness, they didn't cause the illness but they also never helped. Ceasing coverage would help yes, is it feasible; probably not, but at least drop kicking the 40 or so members of the paparazzi who stalk her daily off the nearest port of exit from the United States would be nice. I hope to hear she is doing better, but for the most part I try to avoid stories covering her current plight.
— Anonymous, Irving, Texas

Although I agree that Britney is partially responsible for the attention she has gotten for the press (we understand that she has invited it) I do agree it is time for them to back off. When someone’s mental state is at risk then common sense tells us to back off. What happened to human compassion? If she were lying bleeding in the street would the same media stay snapping pictures? No, but because the hemorrhaging is mental, they feel quite free to keep snapping pictures. I am not a fan of hers but I am a fan of humanity and compassion and caring. I, for one, am very pleased her family is finally helping her. Sometimes families are not always successful but right now they are doing some good.
— Vanessa W., Columbus, Ohio

This is a symbiotic relationship. They won't leave her alone and she won't stop putting herself out there. Yes, they should back off simply because she is the most pathetic "star" in Hollywood -- her problems have become boring. I read Britney stories because that is all the entertainment press wants to publish (along with Paris and Lindsay). As for Britney, I see this ending the same way Princess Diana ended, tragically, at the fault of the paparazzi who made their living off of chasing her.
— Karen, Washington, DC

The media is a LARGE reason for Britney's problems. The media / catalyst are breaking laws & getting away with it because of the "exposure factor". The police in the Los Angeles area are just as much at fault for not trying to protect her & her children from people that are BREAKING LAWS just to get a picture. Last time I checked you weren't allowed to run down the middle of a street & stand in front of a car at a signal. Civilians do have the right to gather & protest but they do not have a clause that allows you to jeopardize the safety of anyone for any means. It's hypocracy for Police Departments to disburse practically any type of crowd for the smallest infraction but they are refusing to warn, cite or arrest paparazzi for causing any type of distubance.
— Joseph, West Hills, Calif.

I would first of all like to thank Michael Ventre for being one of the first journalists at a major news outlet to come out to tell his colleagues in the media to "back off" of Britney Spears. I work with people who have serious mental illness and it absolutely infuriates me that the media is treating her like a sideshow act. Most of the American public seems to be sick of it too, and realizes that she needs help now, not speculation and gossip about her mental health. What Ms. Spears needs now is to be left alone by the paparazzi and by the media.
— Jen, New York, NY

Yes, I think the media needs to take responsibility for what is happening to Spears. They should back off. I don't read about her. Frankly I don't think she has any talent and up to now I have thought that she has just been one lucky girl. After all the cruel media attention (and it is indeed very cruel) I think she is very unlucky. Stop harassing this woman or be prepared to take some of the responsibility when she ends up like Anna Nichol Smith.
— K.L, Boulder, Colo.

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