Paul Mescal is right to call out being groped. Celebrity selfie culture is out of control

The Irish actor says he was groped outside a theatre in London where he is performing in A Streetcar Named Desire

Paul Mescal pictured on the red carpet for the screening of the film God's Creatures, which opened the Dublin International Film Festival, 2023 at the Lighthouse Cinema, Dublin. Picture: Brian McEvoy

Justin Bieber won’t do them; neither will Emma Watson nor Jennifer Lawrence. The Game of Thrones star Kit Harington sets aside days when he refuses to allow what he calls “the photo thing”.

Celebrities who won’t pose for selfies with fans offer a variety of reasons. Harrington says it leaves him “feeling like a mannequin”. Chris Pratt has said that a selfie is “not about enjoying the moment; it’s about stealing the moment to brag about it later”.