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Posted By	Discussion Topic: Celebs at "ground zero"
Nana's Precious	posted on 10-04-2001 @ 5:10 PM
O&A Board Regular Registered: Sep. 00	GROUND ZERO VELVET ROPE By DAVID SEIFMAN -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BIG WHEEL: Although some stars, like James Gandolfini of "The Sopranos," have visited ground zero, celebrities are being told they face danger there - and can even be a distraction. - Associated Press October 4, 2001 -- The city has made an unexpected plea to celebrities trying to visit the World Trade Center disaster scene: Keep out! "We've asked celebrities and people in the entertainment business to please not go to the site," said Richard Sheirer, director of the mayor's Office of Emergency Management. "It's a very dangerous place o go walking around. When we bring people down there, it's a very controlled situation. Those people who try to go on their own create problems." Sheirer said well-intentioned celebrities also may not realize that their mere presence creates "a distraction." "They think they're helping. In some instances, you shouldn't be distracting these people. That's a very dangerous construction site right now." That danger was evident on Tuesday, when reporters accompanying the Emir of Qatar to Liberty and West streets were hurriedly ordered to "get off the sidewalk" when broken glass from a damaged building in the World Financial Center came raining down. Dozens of key political leaders in positions to help the city and the U.S. - ranging from the president of France to the leaders of the House and Senate - have been to ground zero to see the horrific damage first-hand. "Obviously, [they] need to see this," said Sheirer. So have dozens of celebrities, including Muhammad Ali, Bette Midler, Chris Rock, Miss America Katie Harman, Chevy Chase, Billy and Alec Baldwin, "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini, members of the Yankees and Mets, Candace Bergen and boxing promoter Don King. But while every politician is escorted, usually under heavy security, some celebrities have managed to finagle their way through checkpoints on their own. City officials won't identify which celebrities have bypassed official channels or which ones they've turned away. "We're not trying to embarrass anyone," said one official. "We realize most people are doing this because they want to help." Officials concede that rescue workers take delight in celebrity visits. "It cheers them up, but it's a safety issue," said another insider. "At the same time, it's a crime scene. This is hallowed ground, and it needs to be treated accordingly." Some of you I'm sure will see the humor in this. Just my opinion: no one needs the "celebs" there. 09-11-01 Never Forget, Never Forget Have you loved your Froy today?

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