‘Paparazzo’ may be bad word in Reeves case

updated 4:55 p.m. ET Oct. 10, 2008

LOS ANGELES - A celebrity photographer wants to make “paparazzo” a four-letter word during his upcoming civil trial against Keanu Reeves.

Attorneys for Alison Silva contend the words “paparazzo” and “paparazzi” are derogatory and would unfairly prejudice jurors against him. Silva is suing Reeves, claiming the actor caused him to fall while he was taking pictures of the “Matrix” star in his car in March 2007.

Silva’s lawyers want him identified as a “photojournalist” or “reporter” when the case goes to trial later this month.

Reeves’ attorneys counter in documents filed in Los Angeles on Thursday that Silva has repeatedly identified himself as a “paparazzo” in interviews and on his Web site.

A judge will consider how to label Silva during a hearing next week.

MORE FROM CELEBRITIES

Celebrities Section Front

Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo break up It’s official: Robert Plant outranks Jimmy Page Self-destructive stars seem to shine brighter Comic Artie Lange charged with DUI Paris Hilton insists she plugged sorority movie Swedish papers plan Britney photo boycott Jason Priestley and wife welcome a baby boy Kate Gosselin to attend Calif. women’s forum Radcliffe prefers dating women his age now ‘Harry Potter’ actor charged with growing pot Celebrities Section Front   Add Celebrities headlines to your news reader: