Beyonce Sued for Trespassing During a Video Shoot

A Hollywood Hills resident is suing Beyonce Knowles for nuisance and trespassing while filming her video "Why Don't You Love Me."

Apparently for Philip Markowitz, the answer to that question is fairly simple and outlined in a lawsuit claiming that his privacy was invaded by unnecessary noise and crowds during her video shoot, the Associated Press reports.

Markowitz filed the lawsuit seeking $25,000 and claims his expectations of privacy in his upscale neighborhood were destroyed when a film crew invaded his neighborhood at 7 a.m. on March 26 for a video shoot.

He claims that the crew did not leave until 11 p.m. and he was inconvenienced as his driveway was blocked repeatedly.

He is demanding compensation for the trespass on his property.

In general, trespassing is a legal term that can refer to a wide variety of offenses against a person or against property.

Trespassing as it relates to real estate law means entering onto land without consent of the landowner.

There are both criminal and civil trespass laws. Criminal trespass law is enforced by police, sheriffs, or park rangers. Civil trespass requires that the landowner initiate a private enforcement action in court to collect any damages for which the trespasser may be responsible (regardless of whether a crime has been committed).

Traditionally, for either type of trespass -- criminal or civil -- some level of intent is required. Thus, the trespasser must not simply unwittingly traverse another's land, but must knowingly go onto the property without permission. However, state laws can vary in how they treat trespassing.

Court documents show the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles is against Beyonce Knowles, Knowles, a liability company and Dina Ciccotello, a production coordinator for the video shoot.

• Man sues Beyonce; claims video shoot trespassing (Associated Press)
• Not Everyone Loves Beyonce (thecelebritycafe.com)
• Trespassing Basics (FindLaw)