A security specialist has revealed the reason behind the frequent use of torches by celebrity bodyguards in public spaces.
It might seem puzzling why professionals in the security field choose to flash torches, but it’s not without purpose.
When tasked with safeguarding someone’s well-being, there are numerous factors to consider, especially when the individual is a celebrity and likely to attract attention.
Public exposure carries its own set of risks, particularly for celebrities who might have stirred controversy with their statements or actions.
The unusual practice of using torches as celebrities exit a location is aimed at addressing a common issue faced by public figures in these situations.
But what exactly is its purpose? In 2020, Will Geddes, known for guarding high-profile clients, detailed this in a discussion with UNILAD.
He said: “If you are coming out of a situation or a building with a celebrity where there is some intrusive paparazzi, the strobe on this is especially good. What that will do is blind your assailants very, very quickly.”
Additionally, a TikToker named kevikodra elaborated on this tactic in a viral 2023 video.
“If you flashlight in front of the camera, you essentially blind the camera. The flashing confuses the camera and doesn’t allow the paparazzi to get the right photo. One’s going to be overexposed and the other one’s going to be underexposed,” he said.
“The other one’s just going to be flat out blurry so it prevents these people from getting the perfect photo and having these paparazzi sell a photo of them without their permission.”
Interestingly, celebrities do not automatically own images captured of them, which might seem counterintuitive. In most cases, the photographer holds the rights unless otherwise stipulated.
This is where torches become particularly valuable for celebrities seeking to navigate public spaces without being hindered by invasive photographers.
These flashlights serve not only as a means of privacy protection but also as a tool to manage one’s public image, reducing the chance of unauthorized photos being circulated.