The intrusive digital coverage of actor Shefali Jariwala’s demise is another reminder that someone’s grief is not a spectacle. Sunday mid-day speaks to paparazzi, and film and celebrity publicists to understand where one should draw the line

Shefali Jariwala and her partner Parag Tyagi in happier times. After her death, he requested the media and paparazzi to stop filming the unfortunate event

Hours after performing the last rites of his actor-partner, Shefali Jariwala, a distraught Parag Tyagi, with folded hands, requested the media and paparazzi to not make fun of the departed, and stop filming the unfortunate event. Tyagi’s request came after a day of what could be best described as grief voyeurism — from paparazzi and mediapersons filming him taking out his dog for a walk, pushing camera and microphones in the faces of those grieving, to shooting Tyagi kissing the mortal remains of his beloved. Shortly after, Bollywood star Varun Dhawan took to Instagram to question the need to cover “someone’s grief”. Many in the industry echoed his sentiments.

It’s not the first time the moral and ethical lines of reportage have been crossed in the face of a celebrity death. It’s also not the first time the media and paparazzi have been criticised for displaying insensitivity. Veteran Bollywood photographer Yogen Shah, a prominent member of the fraternity, poses a blunt question: “Tell me one thing — why cover celebrity funerals at all? What’s there to show?”

The events after Sushant Singh Rajput’s death were also widely photographed. PIC/RANE ASHISH

Shah emphasises sensitivity and consent remain central to his team’s approach. “If the family says no, we listen,” he says, citing examples of the death of Jariwala and Anil Kapoor’s mother, Nirmal Kapoor. “When Sunita Kapoor (Anil’s wife) requested that her mother-in-law’s funeral not be photographed, no one clicked a single image. Similarly, Shefali Jariwala’s prayer meet was not covered by the paparazzi at all, in full respect of her family’s wishes,” he shares.

Popular Bollywood pap Snehkumar Zala, who is a part of senior photographer Manav Manglani’s team, says in the absence of any rules, people in the community employ personal discretion in such incidents. “It’s really about humanity. If someone is grieving or crying, I will personally never record or post it. Yes, like we cover a wedding, we will cover a funeral too. But we shouldn’t be invasive. From a news perspective, we will report on who’s attending the funeral, but we shouldn’t be zooming in on faces. These are lines I don’t want to cross. But today, there are many YouTubers and other video channels that have come into the picture. How many of them will stop?” he asks.

Popular Bollywood pap Snehkumar Zala

But in this unfortunate cycle driven by views and Instagram likes, the villains are many. “While paparazzi and freelancers chase these content for numbers, many dignified platforms are complicit in amplifying it, often without editorial discretion, under the pretext of serving an ‘audience demand’ that may not even exist in the form it’s presumed,” says publicist Priyanka Chandra, who runs film PR firm Mulberry Media.

Zala says the accountability lies on the editors and people, who manage hugely followed video and social media portals. “Besides their on-ground video teams, big news portals also buy content from independent paps and YouTubers. So, someone could shoot something and send it to you, but it’s on you whether you post it or not. The accountability should also be of the people managing these pages,” he points out.

PRIYANKA CHANDRA and YOGEN SHAH

From a publicist’s perspective, a celebrity death is not about disseminating information, but constant firefighting to save the reputation of the deceased. “The PR and media management in case of such events entirely depends on the comfort of the public figure and their family. While official statements are released by spokespersons and family to the media in case of natural deaths, this cannot be a template to follow in cases of active investigations. Media management is also done on-ground in case of some high-profile deaths, but the battle to counter misinformation is the biggest challenge for PR professionals,” says a film PR professional on the condition of anonymity.

To Chandra, it’s the normalisation of public consumption of private grief that’s the actual crisis. “From a publicist’s point of view, these situations are such a nightmare to navigate. The publicist often becomes an invisible crisis manager of sorts, trying to hold space for privacy, maintain dignity and simultaneously, mitigate reputational damage. But when content is being generated from phones in the hands of bystanders and sold across these platforms with no gatekeeping, containment becomes near impossible. It’s a complete collapse of moral boundaries,” she explains.

The need for guidelines to enforce something as basic as sensitivity and compassion might feel tragic, but it’s becoming increasingly imperative. “For covering funerals, there should be a designated area at crematoriums and hospitals for the media, at a distance from visitors and those who are grieving. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Press Council of India should take cognisance of the matter, issue guidelines and set SOPs to better regulate press coverage during such instances. There are prominent paps who run a network of representatives on-ground. I strongly believe that they have the power to set an example,” says a PR executive.

But what happens when a publicist also gets their hand dirty? A senior PR shares with us that oftentimes paps are tipped off to cover funerals. “I was talking to a few paps and I learnt that a few days ago, Shefali’s prayer meeting was held, and the family said, ‘Please don’t cover.’ So paps did not cover. No one on social media even came to know that there was a prayer meet. So then what is happening? It’s flawed at many levels. It’s not one person’s problem. There are celebrities who want to be papped,” the publicist says.

The communication from a PR in the event of an untimely death will not necessarily be always streamlined, because it also depends on how powerful the publicist is, shares an insider. “After Shefali, Parag was the one to give approvals for such things such as a statement or other details. Maybe he wasn’t in the state? For Sridevi, there were managers and entire teams. But some don’t have access to that kind of structure who would take charge on their behalf and oversee PR,” the insider says.

Before any guidelines are set from the top, is there a collective action that celebrities and their publicists can take against regular offenders by discontinuing platforming themselves and their clients respectively until they put an end to intrusive practices? “The entertainment industry’s biggest problem is the lack of unity. If everyone stands together, there are many wrongs we can rectify. When an actor like Varun posts something, it’s great. I don’t even know if he knew Shefali well, but it’s not a question of knowing. It’s a question of humanity,” says another PR executive.

In the end, it all comes down to pausing for a minute, rethinking, and choosing conscience over coverage, Chandra sums up. “Ultimately, the question we must ask isn’t whether something will fetch views, but whether it should. Even entertainment journalism cannot be divorced from conscience.”

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek’s network of contributors

American Idol fans are mourning the loss of Douglas Kiker, the “Singing Garbage Man” spotlighted in Season 18.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker,” Kiker’s sister Angela Evans wrote via Facebook on Wednesday, March 12. “He was sooo loved and will be missed by so many! Your singing with the Angel’s now Bubba Please pray for our family as we go threw this very difficult time.”

The singer — who moved Katy Perry to tears with his 2020 audition — was 32 years old. His cause of death was not revealed.

“Today I got the call that no one wants to get,” Kiker’s other sister, Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez, posted on Facebook Wednesday. “We lost an amazing person today. He had the biggest smile and knew how to make you laugh. I know I didn’t raise him but I never stopped loving him. My parents did an amazing job with him. Douglas Kiker you will forever be missed. Fly high. Say hey to grandma.”

American Idol judges Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez, and Keith Urban onstage during “American Idol” XIV Grand Finale at Dolby Theatre on May 13, 2015 in Hollywood, California. American Idol judges Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez, and Keith Urban onstage during “American Idol” XIV Grand Finale at Dolby Theatre on May 13, 2015 in Hollywood, California. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

As news outlets began covering the story on Thursday, March 13, fans flocked to Instagram posts about his death to share their condolences.

“Oh no I remember him, what a wonderful singer. Condolences to his family,” one person wrote.

“so sad!! sending prayers to his family and friends. may he rest in peace 💔😢,” another fan penned.

“awe he was a sweetheart on idol 💔,” a third person remembered.

“Too young,” wrote a fourth user. “Praying for his family and friends.🙏🏽.”

Kiker wowed American Idol judges Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan when auditioning with his cover of Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road.”

“I’m a garbage man. I’m working on a garbage truck. I sing in the back of my garbage truck,” Kiker told the judges before his audition, emphasizing that he had no professional experience whatsoever.

After Richie sent him out with Seacrest to warm up on the street, Kiker delivered the performance. Perry was in tears, Bryan — who accompanied him on the piano — declared he was “a fan of the garbage man!” and Richie insisted all of the judges and Seacrest hand Kiker his golden ticket to Hollywood.

“I want us all to let you know that you’re a hell of a man,” the “Hello” singer told Kiker.

—verynotberry

“She died right before Rogue One came out. My mom and I saw it in theaters, and when Princess Leia came on the screen, my mom said, ‘She looks so beautiful.’

I burst into tears.”

—Tater-Tot-Casserole

“The last thing I saw on my phone before turning it off in the theatre before seeing Rogue One was a notification about Carrie Fisher’s death (That’s how I found out). It was ROUGH seeing Leia in that last scene.”

—CrunchyFrogWithBones

“Yes, this one was deeply upsetting. I don’t usually admire celebrities, but reading her books connected something in my brain about my own mental illnesses and trauma that allowed me to finally start a healing journey. I’m pretty sure I even got a job because of her. During the interview, I was speaking to someone who worked at Roundabout Theatre Company when Wishful Drinking was a stage show there, and I asked her about her time working there.”

—ratherpculiar

“Princess Leia was the icon of my childhood. As a girl who loved Star Wars pre-Disney but after the prequel trilogy was released, she was like one of the few women in the series. Especially to be a badass rebel leader. Carrie Fisher just made it feel like it wasn’t an all-dude club. I was so sad when she died. It hurt a piece of my childhood.”

—Free_Medicine4905

On the heels of Jesus Guerrero dying unexpectedly at 34 years old, the celebrity hairstylist is receiving an outpouring of love from those who knew him, including his former star clients.

“Our glam fam means the world to us. We work together, vacation and celebrate our lives together! Our great respect for the art of hair and make up has (led) us to meeting some of the kindest souls and made some of our bestest friends,” Kim Kardashian wrote in an Instagram story on Monday.

“So when one of our glam family members passes away all of our souls are crushed. My heart breaks for Kylie and everyone who loved Jesus the way we all did,” her message continued. “I’m praying for his family, his loved ones and the whole beauty community who feels this deep loss of one of the most talented and kindest to ever do it! Rest in peace @jesushair.”

Guerrero’s clients ranged from Kylie Jenner to Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Demi Moore, Blackpink’s Lisa and Rosalía. One of his most recent projects involved styling Lopez’s hair while she was in Abu Dhabi to perform for Saadiyat Nights last week. The multi-hyphenate tagged Guerrero in a post she shared from her “business trip” last Wednesday.

Jesus Guerrero recently worked with Kylie Jenner, Selena Gomez

According to his agency the Wall Group and a GoFundMe started by his family, Guerrero recently died, with no date or cause of death given.

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“He is a son, a brother, an uncle, an artist, a friend, and so much more. Born and raised in Houston, TX to immigrant parents, Jesus learned how to work hard and dreamt of taking his skills to the top,” reads his family’s GoFundMe that is fundraising for expenses related to his death. “Unfortunately, his passing came very suddenly and unexpectedly.”

“Jesus was a beloved artist, friend, and a special soul whose kindness and craft profoundly touched the lives of many,” the Wall Group’s Instagram Story, shared Sunday, read. “We are heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. His time with us was cut too short, but his lasting impact on the industry is immense and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”

One of his most consistent clients was Jenner, who often posted snaps with the Houston-born artist. The two were recently in Georgia together for a promotional event for her canned vodka soda business venture, and last month they were in Paris for Haute Couture Week.

His other recent works include hairstyling for Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s Interview Magazine cover story, Demi Moore’s appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and Kali Uchis’ Old Hollywood look at the 2025 Grammy Awards earlier this month.

Last year, highlights from his portfolio included a long, loose waves look for Lisa at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, an understated straight ‘do to complement JLo’s show-stopping look at the Toronto International Film Festival and Katy Perry’s wet mermaid look at the MTV VMAs.

Jennifer Lopez ‘in shock’ after Jesus Guerrero’s death

Lopez mourned Guerrero’s death in an emotional Instagram post Tuesday, remembering the hairstylist as a “sweet angel.”

“It’s no surprise your mother gave you the name Jesus. You were gentle and kind and loving, quiet and unassuming, but so powerful, and your presence was felt the minute you walked into any room,” Lopez wrote alongside a black-and-white photo of Guerrero.

“You never demanded the spotlight. You never needed to make a sound to be recognized, your heart and your talent did that as effortlessly as your artistry did. I’ve been having trouble putting the words together the last few days. The truth is I’m still in shock that such a beautiful young life has come to an end. It seems senseless and unfair. I know your family is brokenhearted as am I and everyone else who knew you.”

She concluded: “Your spirit moved on to the next phase beyond this life but I know wherever you are there is beauty and light. And the beauty and light you left here will live on forever.”

Camila Cabello, Chrissy Teigen pay tribute to Jesus Guerrero

On Sunday, Camila Cabello paid tribute to Guerrero as “a true artist.”

“Shocking day for everyone that knew you,” she wrote alongside a photo of him in front of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre. “You were a true artist, but most of all, a gentle and sweet energy gone too soon and we will all miss you.”

Chrissy Teigen also praised the late talent in her own Instagram story, shared Monday.

“Oh @jesushair you were so beyond loved and will be missed so much by so so so many people. I can’t believe you are gone,” she wrote. “To his family, you raised such an incredible, talented, humble, kind man. We are sending you all the love possible for your unimaginable loss.”

Ash K Holm, a longtime friend who also honed her skills in Houston as well as a makeup artist who works with the Kardashians, mourned the loss of “a best friend” and “legend” on Monday. She also shared a sweet memory that showcased Guerrero’s character.

“When Hamed and I moved to LA, we shipped a pod with all our belongings. I was still in Houston wrapping up bridal work, so I wasn’t there to unpack. Without me asking, Jesus and his boyfriend at the time, Angel, just showed up. They unloaded everything, set up our space, and by the time I got home, our house was completely decorated,” she wrote. “Jesus didn’t even let Hamed have a say — he and Angel spent hours making our house feel like a home.

“That was Jesus. He didn’t just show up—he showed up in every way that mattered.”

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY

When a celebrity dies, there is often an outpouring of grief from their fans. This sense of grief can often be even stronger when the person dies young. In October 2024, there was an outpouring of grief from fans when former One Direction singer Liam Payne died.

Grief is the reaction to any kind of loss. It is most often associated with bereavement (the death of a person) and mourning (the expression of grief when someone dies). However, it can be difficult to talk about grief at any age as we live in a death- and grief-denying society.

At first glance, a celebrity death may not seem to be the most helpful instance to improve our understanding of grief. Yet, for many, especially younger people, it may be their first experience with such grief. However, society often invalidates this type of grief which is commonly referred to as parasocial in nature. Some kinds of grief are more difficult to talk about than others because there are hierarchies of grief. In grief hierarchies the closer the relationship to the deceased, the worse the grief is expected to be.

Fan communities coping with a celebrity loss do several things that help their members feel supported and connected to one another, which often also disrupts society’s typical reaction to grief. So, what can we learn from fans grieving celebrity deaths?

Grief literacy

How to deal with grief is something that is rarely taught to us. Grief literacy, a concept coined by author Rachelle Bensoussan, aims to normalize grief, as it is an experience that will touch everyone at some point in life. The aim of grief literacy is to enhance our understanding and recognition of grief of all kinds in order to better support it in ourselves and others.

Relationships between celebrities and fans are often seen as one-sided parasocial relationships that fans invest energy and time into. However, social media platforms and specifically live-streaming features change the nature of parasocial relationships. These technologies grant fans access into the personal homes and lives of celebrities and allows celebrities to engage with fans in real time.

It is common for fans to gather when a celebrity dies. In our research on grief, people often talk about the isolation that comes when grieving. People often think they should not talk about someone who has died because they might upset the grieving person. We hear time and time again that grievers are thinking of the person who died and want to talk about them. So gathering, in small or large groups, and talking about grief can be beneficial.

Creating a culture of safety around grief

Fans frequently use social media platforms to connect with one another and form a community centred on their interest in the celebrity. This creates a unique community setting which can bring together people of all ages and walks of life from across the globe.

Fan culture is heavily based on prosocial behaviour, which is necessary because most fan groups are large and span multiple cultures, viewpoints and life experiences. Group rules and norms are focused on building a positive space for everyone. It is important to fans within their own communities that other members feel they belong and are valued.

The foundation of safety and belonging allows fan culture to transcend normal social scripts about grief. Fans can seek support and express their grief for the celebrity within their community in a way that is uncommon in traditional social groupings.

As seen in the many memorials for hockey player Johnny Gaudreau after his death in August 2024, public memorials create a space that is both validating and where fans can find support for their grief. The connections fans create through public celebrity memorials are genuine and combat the isolation often brought by grief.

Rituals can be helpful and creative

During memorial gatherings, fans often create and engage in rituals that are unique to that fan group. For example, when Maggie Smith, who played Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise, died in September 2024, she was memorialized by fans with raised wands — a mourning ritual from the series.

When actress Betty White died weeks before her 100th birthday, media outlets promoted various ways to celebrate her 100th in her honour. Her advocacy around animal welfare sparked an effort to support rescue animals.

Memorial tattoos are another means of creating ritual, designed as a way to pay tribute to someone who has died. They often help grievers capture their relationship with the deceased through significant memories and shared experiences. The feelings of continued connection with the deceased are the same for people who described getting memorial tattoos for personal or parasocial losses.

Our research found that designs for memorial tattoos are carefully chosen by the griever and, therefore, are each uniquely meaningful. Memorial tattoos that are highly visible create an opportunity to talk about the person who died. Tattoos that are less visible provide the wearer with a profound feeling of connection.

We found that memorial tattoos can be incredibly diverse and capture many types of relationships. Following the Humboldt Broncos hockey team bus crash, several people close to the players who died got memorial tattoos.

The public mourning and memorialization of celebrities who have died can be both an example and the spark for conversations about how to support one another in grief. People may struggle to find support for their grief after a celebrity’s death because the relationship between fans and the celebrity falls outside the acceptable grief hierarchy.

It can be easy to dismiss fans’ experiences of grief when a celebrity dies. However, we should engage with them instead. In the long run, this will help to shape broader conversations about loss and has the potential to improve how we respond to grief.