Bieber Hopes Photog Death Stops Chases

Bieber Hopes Photog Death Stops Chases (ABC News)

Justin Bieber hopes that the death of a paparazzo who was trying to photograph his car will slow the snapping masses' relentless pursuit of him.

"While I was not present nor directly involved with this tragic accident, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim," the pop star said in a statement released by his spokesperson. The paparazzo, who hasn't been named by authorities, was hit by oncoming traffic in Los Angeles Tuesday while taking pictures of Bieber's white Ferrari. Bieber wasn't in the car at the time.

"Hopefully this tragedy will finally inspire meaningful legislation and whatever other necessary steps to protect the lives and safety of celebrities, police officers, innocent public bystanders, and the photographers themselves," Bieber added.

Paparazzi have had many dangerous run-ins with Bieber, including a high-speed chase in July that led to the arrest of a photographer. At the time, Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine said Bieber was to blame and deserved to be arrested. "As I watched, I was anticipating a crash," Zine told ABC News. "It was chaos. Total willful disregard for people on the roadway."

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