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Surfers in Court Defending Attack on Paparazzi; Malibu Calls Them Heroes

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On June 21, 2008, Malibu surfers Skylar Peak and Philip Hildebrand confronted the paparazzi clogging the beach in the attempt to land a perfect shot of actor Matthew McConaughey. Peak and Hildebrand came to blows with a French photographer, and after the scuffle were charged with misdemeanor battery. Their trial is now underway, but locals hail the duo as heroes, not criminals, according to the LA Times. Comparisons to the fatal tunnel chase of Princess Diana abound; Malibu residents, including celebs, resent the relentless photogs' intrusion. Said one Malibu security guard: "These paparazzi need to get a job, real jobs."

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