Truth behind reality stars' paparazzi pics exposed as Abbie Chatfield reveals secret deal

Abbie Chatfield has hit back at accusations she regularly tips off the paparazzi with her location to stage candid pictures, explaining she has only done this once in her career.

In a TikTok video, the media personality explained that after filming The Bachelor she was “so f**king skint” she made a deal with one photographer where she was paid $1,500 to be photographed at the beach with her then-boyfriend.

Abbie went on to explain: “I wouldn't do it again ... but when it comes to people phoning the paps themselves, there's consent there at least. If you can make money from it, I don't think it's inherently evil. At least they aren't being exploited.”

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Reality stars getting more savvy with paparazzi

Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, Ben McDonald, CEO of picture agency Matrix Media Group AU, explained how the public would be surprised to find out how a lot of paparazzi pictures are now a “collaborative effort” between talent and photographer.

“Talent are a lot more savvy these days, especially when you think Married At First Sight participants and all reality stars who have a small window to build a brand for themselves,” Ben explained.

Discussing the financial incentive of celebrities working with photographers, Ben said the “going rate” is to often give them 50% of any sales their pictures generate – but on occasion, the talent collaborate simply for the exposure.

It isn't just reality television participants doing this either, with Ben saying he will regularly receive intel on A-list stars' locations via publicists or anonymous tips, and photographers will then “miraculously be there” as they arrive at an airport or leave a restaurant.

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“With Hollywood stars, the intel never comes direct from them,” Ben added. “The golden rule is no names ever get mentioned and no one gets thrown under the bus. This has been going on for years and it works for them and it works for us.”

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