Madonna and the cost of privacy

 Recently the head of Gstaad Saanenland Tourism, Martin Bachofner, made a public appeal to the residents and patrons of Gstaad. He asked us to be conscious to the fact that as a society we should remain collectively confidential regarding visiting celebrities and people of VIP status. This is something Gstaad has always prided itself on and is a part of the reputation of the place. Discretion and confidentiality have long been a part of the Gstaad intrigue.

So what went wrong when Madonna recently arrived in Gstaad for a whiff of Alpine air and a fondue? It seems that the paparazzi that followed her up from Geneva airport were a little too pushy. The press machine and its commandoes are a lot more assertive than in the days when the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson arrived in the Saanenland. The Madonna watchers, be they professionals or not were swarming and asking questions, pressurizing the public.

Of course Martin Bachofner is quite right to reminds us that when asked, we are not obliged to answer. We all lived through the Roman Polanski saga of recent and I think as a society we handled the sensitive matter well and with a quiet decorum. I guess if Madonna’s brief was complete privacy then a different routing into the Saanenland skipping Geneva Airport could have been a solution.

Anyhow, in proof that all is well in Gstaad I share with you an observational experience of this past weekend. Following an excellent morning of skiing I headed to the lounge of one of our 5 star hotels for a light lunch with my family. Peering around I recognised the world’s most prominent diamond merchant doing just as I was, so too were a few family members of one of the leaders of Europe, no- one seemed bothered at all. Just another day in Gstaad. 

By Peter Sonnekus-Williams      

Comments

[bobb]

Yes, she could have done it another way; she has had enough practice. I think that residents of Gstaad know this.

[James Maunder]

If it really were just another day in Gstaad, then Martin Bachhofner would not have said anything, he likely wouln't have had to, and articles like this would not have been written. Lip service may be paid to discretion, but the problem with the new generation is that they are quietly star-struck and still looking in from the outside.

[Ed]

you are right James,your perspective is quite clear and most relevant!