Paparazzi Pursuit Was a Constant for Diana

Although paparazzi were almost a daily presence in Princess Diana’s life, the crush intensified after an Italian fashion photographer recently snapped pictures of her embracing her millionaire companion, Dodi Fayed, aboard his yacht in the Mediterranean.

The pursuit of Diana came to a tragic end today in Paris when the pair were killed in a car crash amid reports--yet to be officially confirmed--that their Mercedes was being chased by photographers on a motorcycle and in at least one car.

The French news agency Agence France-Presse said that police were questioning a handful of photographers, and French Interior Minister Jean-Pierre Chevenement said he had reports that the driver of the princess’ car lost control as he was being pursued.

Although there was no immediate confirmation, AFP and British reporters said the accident occurred while the Mercedes was traveling at speeds close to 100 mph in an attempt to elude the pursuing photographers.

Cable News Network reported that five photographers had been detained, and a criminal investigation was being launched.

In an interview before the announcement was made of Diana’s death, National Enquirer editor Steve Coz said his tabloid had been offered photographs of the scene, taken moments after the accident, for prices up to $1 million.

Coz said his publication will not buy any photos taken by anyone who may have been involved in the chase. He also urged other tabloids to do the same.

“We just have to draw the line,” he said.

Film star Tom Cruise said in a phone call to CNN on Saturday evening: “You look at the kind of money that is generated for the newspapers and for these paparazzis--that’s why” the photographers are so persistent. “I’ve actually been in that same tunnel being chased by paparazzi, and they run lights and chase you and harass you the whole time, and it happens all over the world,” he said.

The Independent, a London newspaper, has noted that a book about the princess “suggests that Diana has often jumped lights and broken speed limits in a bid to escape her tormentors. They have done the same.”

The May 4, 1997, article went on to say that the princess is followed almost every time she goes out. “There is no moment she can be certain she is not being photographed. This is why she will not shower at her gym; this is why she rarely goes out at night. To get a picture the paparazzi will do almost anything: trek for miles, spend all night up a tree, stake out Kensington Palace until 3 in the morning.”

“You make my life hell,” she once screamed at those pursuing her.

Times wire services contributed to this story.