"Rihanna's Law" Seeks To Prevent Future Crime Scene Photo Leaks

After a troubling photograph of a bruised Rihanna leaked following the singer's February 8th alleged altercation with Chris Brown, an anti-paparazzi organization called STOPaprazzi has begun championing a piece of legislation dubbed "Rihanna's Law," which would make gossip sites like TMZ (who first published the image) as responsible for distributing the picture as those who leaked it, the L.A. Times' Blog reports. STOParazzi also picketed the Chris Brown arraignment on March 5th.

"The current law, 'Mel's Law' requires that money changes hands in order for the person distributing the photo to be in violation of the law, furthermore the current law has no provisions for the prosecution of those who publish such photos or videos, such as Harvey Levin [TMZ head] and TMZ," STOParazzi write in their push for Rihanna's Law. "As it stands, anyone can leak private victim photos and get away with it, as long as no one can prove they received money, which usually is unprovable because tabloids pay cash to third parties. In addition, entities such as TMZ who pay for these photos and publish them are able to do it, and profit from it, with no legal repercussions whatsoever. The publication of Rihanna's police victim photo was inexcusable and will likely help the alleged attacker's case."

Considering that the photograph in question was a crucial piece of evidence in the case, and because it did infringe on Rihanna's rights as the victim, the LAPD swiftly announced a full investigation into the Rihanna leak. However, TMZ faces no repercussions for providing it to the masses. The next chapter in the Rihanna/Chris Brown story will likely come April 6th, when Brown is finally arraigned on two felonies stemming from the confrontation.

Related Stories:

• Chris Brown Charged With Two Felonies In Rihanna Assault Case, Faces Up to Nine Years In Prison
• Shocking Photo of Rihanna's "Horrific" Facial Injuries Leaks
• Report: Rihanna Named As Victim in Chris Brown Battery Case

• 
  MUSIC The Top 25 Teen Idol Breakout Moments
• 
  MOVIES & TV 'Game of Thrones': The Show Vs. the Books
• 
  POLITICS Matt Taibbi: Facebook IPO vs. Shareholders
• 
  VIDEOS Exclusive: Garbage Rip Through 'I Think I'm Paranoid'

Song Stories

“Smells Like Teen Spirit”

Nirvana | 1991

"Smells Like Teen Spirit," named after a brand of deodorant marketed to girls, was Kurt Cobain's attempt to "write the ultimate pop song," he said, using the soft-loud dynamic of his favorite band, the Pixies. Cobain "had that dichotomy of punk rage and alienation," the song’s producer, Butch Vig, told Rolling Stone, "but also this vulnerable pop sensibility. In 'Teen Spirit,' a lot of that vulnerability is in the tone of his voice." Sadly, by the time of Nirvana's last U.S. tour, in late '93, Cobain was tortured by the obligation to play "Teen Spirit" every night. "There are many other songs that I have written that are as good, if not better," he claimed.

More Song Stories entries »

Twitter