Cops question Brit star about robbery of
paparazzi
NASSAU, Bahamas - Police in the Bahamas are
investigating the robbery of two paparazzi a few hours after they
snapped shots of British pop idol Robbie Williams lounging on an
exclusive beach in Exuma and argued with his entourage.
Superintendent Ellsworth Moss, who heads the detective unit of
the Royal Bahamas Police Force, said Wednesday that investigators
had questioned Williams about the early Sunday robbery of the two
celebrity photographers who traveled to Staniel Cay to sneak photos
of the vacationing singer.
Moss stressed that Williams was not a suspect.
"We don't think he was the one who actually committed the
robbery, but it may have been a spinoff or may have been triggered
by what reportedly happened with his party on the beach," he
said.
A phone call to Williams' representative in London was not
answered.
The paparazzi _ Matt Sanchez of Splash News & Picture Agency
and freelancer Carlos Mendez _ told police they got into a shouting
match with Williams' entourage while they photographed the star
with zoom lenses. Hours later, they alleged, four armed men broke
into their rented room and stole $20,000 worth of cameras and other
equipment.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Raymond Gibson said two men
were in custody in connection with the case. He did not disclose
further details, saying the investigation was continuing.
Williams has long been a singing star in Britain and is popular
in other countries. But he hasn't generated much appeal in the
United States, receiving more publicity for entering rehab for
dependency on prescription drug than for his music.
--AP
