Brangelina's Public Request for Privacy
By CBB intern Ashleigh
In light of the public’s growing anticipation for the birth of their child, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have released a statement beseeching the media for a bit of privacy during the closing weeks of Jolie’s pregnancy: "We love Africa, and to be here in Namibia with our family is very special for us," the statement reads. "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 privacy so that we can enjoy this beautiful country with our children."
Fully backing the couple, the Namibian government expelled four photographers–three from France, the other from South Africa’s "Sunday Times"–from the country on the grounds that they "lack[ed] proper accredidation to work within the country," according to eonline.com.
Even Namibian Prime Minister Nahas Angula got involved, issuing his own statement to the "Sunday Times": "This lady is expecting. You guys are harassing her… [and] harassment is not allowed in Namibia. If a person says they don’t want to be photographed then, of course, that person deserves protection." In addition to the protection the Jolie-Pitt family is recieving from the African nation’s own government, a security team employed by the couple is also on constant watch. Several days ago, Mickey Brett, head of the team, addressed the paprazzi attempting to snap shots of the couple and their brood. "If I find anyone getting a picture of Jolie, I will… smash someone to pieces. I’m not joking. I’ll… put someone in the hospital. Tell your friends."
One such photographer did not heed Brett’s stern warning and paid the price; he was discovered by one of the couple’s security guards crouching in a ditch, snapping pictures of Pitt and Maddox playing. The guard proceeded to beat the man "to a pulp", per tmz.com. One source revealed to the site that "the bodyguard literally beat the c— out of this guy," as Pitt and Maddox, 4, looked on.
Aside from this incident, the family appears to be enjoying their hard-won privacy, venturing out of the Burning Shores resort where they currently reside for trips to a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, a jewelry store, and a pet shop, where they reportedly picked bought a new pet turtle.
