This article was written by Colonel (Ret.) Beni Tal – Founder and Owner of BTS Security
This week we have witnessed yet again the importance of personal security when it comes to celebrities – singer Rihanna was attacked by a drunken fan in a nightclub London after refusing to be escorted by a security team.
The managers try to save some money
Fortunately enough, Rihanna, whose albums are being sold worldwide on a massive scale, was only slightly injured in her leg but it could have ended otherwise. We all remember the fact that John Lennon was murdered by an unstable individual who at first posed to be his fan.
The problem begins when the artists' managers decide to save some of their own money and refuse to hire a professional security team. When they do that they actually risk their own artists' lives because those who wish to attack them follow their public schedule and know exactly where they are going to be at any given time.
It would also be fair to say that many artist themselves refuse escort because they want to be left alone. This unawareness can lead to potentially devastating circumstances.
The danger is more vivid than ever
Rihanna is a much known celebrity and despite the fact she often wears a disguise and travels with close friends wearing sun-glasses, paparazzi photographers are always on her tale. People's obsession with an artist can end with an injury or even bare more serious consequences. We all remember the famous movie "The Bodyguard" with late Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner – and we all know how important was it to hire an armed person who can always be there for you. "The Bodyguard was only a movie, but these cases are more real and vivid than ever.
And so, before an artist goes on a tour, armed guards – both visible and undercover are to be assigned to him/her at any time. Rihanna's security should have therefore been much more significant – so that this London based lunatic wouldn't have been able to even come close to her.