Authorities supervising the razed remains of New York’s Twin Towers have declared “ground zero” officially out of bounds to celebrity visitors. Stars such as Bette Midler, Muhammad Ali, Chevy Chase and Alec Baldwin have all visited the scene of September 11’s destruction. But officials now say the area is too dangerous to be traipsed across, adding that the presence of high-profile figures hampers those still working there.
“We’ve asked celebrities and people in the entertainment business to please not go to the site,” says director of the city’s Office of Emergency Management, Richard Sheirer. “It’s a very dangerous place to 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.”
While some celebrities have talked their way onto the site, others have been invited. Even so, authorities worry that the presence of famous faces could prove a fatal distraction. “They think they’re helping,” explained Sheirer. “But in some instances you shouldn’t be distracting these people. That’s a very dangerous construction site right now. It’s a crime scene. It’s also hallowed ground and it needs to be treated accordingly.”
Earlier in the week those accompanying the Emir of Qatar on a tour of the area were forced to take cover when splinters of glass rained down from one of the damaged buildings.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
