Actor Bill Murray got into a physical altercation with photographer Peter Simon on Martha’s Vineyard this past Wednesday evening. Simon alleges that Murray grabbed him from behind and slammed him against a door, and threatened to throw him out of a restaurant.
Simon, who is singer Carly Simon’s brother, has previously photographed acts like Bob Marley, members of The Beatles, The Police, and Led Zeppelin. Recalling the altercation, Simon said, “he looked like he was ready to strangle me,” and claims to not have recognized the notable actor. Simon continued to ask Murray, “Do you know who I am?” Something Simon intended to note that he was a well-respected photographer, to which Murray responded with the same question.
Simon was on assignment for The Martha’s Vineyard Times at Lola’s when Murray attacked him. He was to photograph the band and patrons of the restaurant for a weekly feature. However, Murray’s account of the incident to the police was a bit different, and that Simon was instead taking photos of him and harassing him while he was dining at the establishment.
The restaurant owner, Katherine Domitrovich, backed up Murray’s account of the incident, and told the police Simon “had no business at the restaurant and was generally annoying.”
While no charges have been filed, Simon is seeking an apology from both Murray and Domitrovich.
What do you think of the incident? Who do you believe? While I hope this isn't the case, with Domitrovich siding with Murray, it makes me question if Simon was acting as a paparazzi in this situation, and was really in the wrong.
Lead Image by Charlie Llewellin used under Creative Commons.
Exactly what I was thinking.
I was not there. However, if I were a Paparazzi/TMZ type photographer (I do not endorse most of these clowns), I would keep the video button "on" the whole time during any shoot. If I were truly not doing anything "annoying" (the few times I have taken a club -restaurant shoot for a performer/publication---the management staff knows about my presence) the video evidence would speak for itself.
At the end of the day I don't see the value of seeing a picture of Bill Murray eating a salad at some restaurant. It really shows how many low life consumers there are in the world who want to view this kind of stuff.
Nobody here should think anything based off this account, as it sounds up in the air.
-but if you want a reaction from the peanut gallery, I can throw out a bunch of expletives and talk about the Constitution.
when dealing with a subject like murray, or anyone really, do something like make eye contact and gesture subtly with the camera to get permission. if the person doesn't want their picture taken, don't take their picture. #CommonSense
Seems a stupid question to ask? Just to get attention for a stupid article lacking any usefulness?