Well, like many Americans on Friday night, I sat down and watched the NBC special about 70’s icon Farrah Fawcett and her battle with cancer. It was a 2 hour long documentary that included watching Farrah go through some of the hardest times in her battle with anal cancer. Plus, the support of Alana Stewart and her long time partner Ryan O’Neal. I remember Farrah well from my 70’s childhood as I thought she, Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson were three of the “baddest” women on TV as I was a huge Charlie’s Angels fan like every other little girl of that time. Also, I remember the poster in the red bathing suit that everyone had in their homes back in the day. As she moved on from Charlie’s Angels, she met Ryan O’Neal and they were together for a long time. They even share a child Redmond who is in his mid 20’s by now. So, I decided to watch the documentary as I also knew her rights to privacy were violated during her battle with cancer. However, I was not aware as to how far this went.
As I watched this documentary, I saw where the paparazzi was everywhere and would not leave her alone. They were reporting falsehoods in the Enquirer and other tabloid fodder that has nothing better to do than fabricate things. We saw a video of Farrah and I think it was Alana where they were leaving the hospital. Farrah was in a wheelchair holding one of those standard hospital buckets up to her as she was getting sick from the chemo. She had to cover her head when they left because the paparazzi was waiting for her to leave. Not only did they snap those photos but got right in her face, yes, her face with those cameras. I was enraged when I saw that happening. You could hear Farrah say “they always like to get me while in a wheelchair”. So, this was not a one time deal but was happening a lot! We see them at LAX and other places while she was trying to deal with this raging illness and they would not leave her alone. Then, we learn there was a leak at UCLA who violated the Privacy Act and all ethics went out the window. I was floored by this. The paparazzi are one thing but a Doctor at UCLA? When does this ever stop? Since when is it okay to harass and stalk someone when they are battling an illness such as this? Where is the compassion? The empathy for fellow man? I jumped online quickly, found a site called Farrahs Law and signed the petition they have to try and stop this. Not only is Farrah battling cancer but is trying to get legislation going to stop this type of treatment and violation of rights.
Folks, this is just one more form of bullying and Peer Abuse. I know some will disagree but it needs to be said. She was and is in a vulnerable position and these paparazzi jumped on it as a way to benefit themselves. They stalked, harassed and eventually found someone to help them break privacy laws. Bullies stalk and harass and these paparazzi are no different. Also, this was done secretly at UCLA and behind her back which is how bullies operate. I do not know what this Doctor thought he would gain by doing what he did but he should never be allowed to practice medicine again if you ask me. Lets not forget that lies were formed and put out there for everyone else to read. I saw where some of these tabloids and other paparazzi knew about Farrah’s cancer returning before her family and friends knew! They took what they had and printed it before she had a chance to tell them! Where is the empathy? Compassion? How do these people even sleep at night?
Please, if you have a chance, visit the Farrahs Law site and see how you can help. These paparazzi are nothing more than bullies and their lack of conscience is coming through loud and clear. This is very common with bullies. Despite what Ryan O’Neal has done in the past, you have to commend him for standing by Farrah through this and the same with Alana Stewart. Farrah is lucky to have a support system in them. This is illness is horrible and anyone dealing with it deserves compassion and not stress. As for the paparazzi, please stop abusing Farrah. What has she ever done to you?
Resource Cited: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7015178654
Elizabeth Bennett is the author of Peer Abuse Know More! Bullying From a Psychological Perspective and lives in Los Angeles, California.
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15 users commented in " Please! Leave Farrah Alone! "
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This wonderful woman stepped outside of herself to document her experience with cancer treatments. Included in her film were numerous scans, surgery, chemotherapy and others I am thankfully unaware of. Trips to and from Germany and she literally risked her life to return home.
She filmed this, not for the curious, but to help those going through the same thing.
The information released by unscrupulous peoples at UCLA is unconscienable. Taking pictures of her when she was so ill is disgusting. Farrah has so much courage to show us the physical side of illness and treatment - that is her preroggative - not a bunch of gaggling strangers, out for the buck at her expense.
I will definitely go to the site “Farrah’s Law” and sign it. Farrah, you have given so much to us all of your life. We loved you, we imitated you, enjoyed your shows; and you are changing laws to help US. Thank you.
God bless you Ryan & Redmond.
I LOVE YOU FARRAH
**Please, Leave Farrah Alone!**
Farrah Fawcett has been an icon of American pop culture for many years. She though through her entire career has never displayed behavior nor any acts ..to cause ” anyone to dislike her, nor discredit her”.
She has never been known as what we have now ” Brittney Spears 1/2 dressed, gum chewing, flippant young female creatures” and or tragic name faces in our media today.
I watched Farrah’s story and I found it to be Humanizing and at some points I had to change the channel and or even close my eyes. Due to I could feel her pain. ( I too have had my bouts with multiple surgeries ) I watched it and felt that it was a very well stated documentary ( with grace). For all that want a piece of Farrah and want to shame her or hurt her - Your all evil and the most insensitive. This documentary was not about her fame, her place, her “hair” nor her Money .. It was made for ” US” the public to understand ” Cancer”. And I agree with the poster of this Blog ” Leave Farrah Alone” .. She is not gaining anything from this other than offering Awareness for All people about the Tragic consequences of Cancer. She show’s the differences in belief systems within the medical societies.
I am sure that her Medical treatment in Germany cost a fraction of her treatment in the US. So stop the insane talk ” If I was a Millionaire” I could go to Germany too.
Bottom Line - Research Her Tale of her Medical Treatments and Her Fight before you go rattle off and Make her out to be yet another Jet Set Hollywood Star that Has Millions.
I have to say too since the viewing of her Documentary - ” the Media’s response Sucks”.. Shame on you.
I am praying for Farrah
I think Farrah produced this documentary. Every thing shown was on her approval. At least I think so.
Anyway, I have never been a big fan of Farrah. I thought she was flighty in her past interviews and acting was just so-so. After watching this documentary……..I COMPLETLY changed my mind as to my opinion of her.
I’m just off the cusp of losing my husband to throat cancer last Novemeber. It was painful watching Farrah go thru this as my memories of this horrible disease was portrayed on the screen. She is putting on such a brave front and has fought so hard. She deserves the repect and admiration from everyone who watched her losing her battle with cancer. I will forever hold her in high esteem. God Bless you Farrah.
Ryan and Redford……There are no words that can comfort you now. The love you both have for her is a comfort for me as you help her to the end of her journey. God Bless you both too!
It was not a doctor that leaked her info. It was a hospital worker that was accessing her records and selling the info to the NE. Ironically, the worker has since passed away from cancer.
Thanks Raw Bacon for clearing that up. I thought it was a Dr. Despite whoever it was, it was a sleezy thing to do.
I agree, Farrah was selfless in putting this out there. I hope it helps people and their loved ones that are dealing with this in their lives.
Its the abuse of power here with these paps and other tabloids that got me so mad. When someone is sick like that, they need compassion and understanding. Not bullcrap. Farrah is in my prayers as well.
~mb~ we both lost husbands to cancer - sadly there was a lot of deju vu in Farrah’s documentary. I don’t with this on anyone.
Love you Farrah ♥
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Thank for standing up for the right to privacy not only for Farrah, but for everyone. The paparazzi have no bounds and usually the worse the situation, the more they are on it. That we as a society allow this is amazing. Reform is needed and will come - but how soon depends on us. If we all speak up it will happen sooner. We all have the right to our own image and privacy. You can see more at our site http://www.paparazzi-reform.org.
I just wrote about Farrah on my blog, about how back in 1976 she was staying at the hotel I was working for (as a maid) and how she smiled at me. A warm genuine smile.
Thanks for alerting us of this I will sign too.
Yes Capy, It was difficult to watch for me…..and I know for you. For those of us that have watched our loved ones loose a little ground everyday, we are keenly aware how horrendous this vicious disease is.
My prayers are with Farrah, and I pray her suffering
Yes Capy, It was difficult to watch for me…..and I know for you. For those of us that have watched our loved ones loose a little ground everyday, we are keenly aware how horrendous this vicious disease is.
My prayers are with Farrah, and I pray her suffering
Opps, sent by mistake. I pray her suffering will soon be over. I don’t mean that to sound cruel, but the battle will not be won here.
Rest peacefully Farrah….and know you are loved and will be missed.
For those who signed that petition, thanks so much in doing your part in helping to bring down these bullies. I refuse to purchase any tabloids and if I see them in town again will confront them and let them know they are only enabling a bad problem here in society.
As for Farrah, my prayer have been, are and continue to be with her….also, Ryan, Redmond and other loved ones in her life.
Elizabeth what a beautiful tribute. I am happy to join the others who have signed the petition. What Farrah went thru was heart wrenching. I, too, felt anger and disgust for those trying to exploit her.
I was not a fan of Charlie’s Angels but when I saw her in later works, I was blown away by her performances. The Burning Bed- Extremities and Small Sacrifices all prove she is more than a pretty face. I suggest anyone who missed any of these movies, see them. She is nothing short of spectacular.
My heart goes out to all those who love her up close and personal. Her 92 year old father just recently buried her sister. Now he must face possibly losing the only daughter left.
Her son, Redman, her mate Ryan and all her friends. The documentary clearly shows she is one loved lady. The unselfish act of doing this piece, explains why she is loved so much.
Farrah didn’t win the nobel prize or save mankind but she is a giver. She has given her family and her fans all she has. She gave us all a part of herself.
I pray for the same miracle she prays for. I admire her courage. I am in awe of her still very visible beauty, inside and out. God be with Farrah and all who love her. The world is a better place because she walked in it. The emotion I felt the strongest as I watched her documentary, was over-whelming sadness.
there is no way Farrah can beat the cancer unless she totally eliminates white(or brown)sugar from her diet.352-597-1740 and all gluton products,especially wheat.
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