Celebrities enjoy a lot of privileges that come with their fame. Unfortunately, privacy, security, and personal freedom aren’t part of those. In fact, chief among their problems is the real danger that comes from crazy fans and haters.
This is why so many – if not all – celebrities invest in expensive professional security to protect them at all costs. Here are some celebrities who spend thousands of dollars to pay for the biggest and most exclusive bodyguards in the Hollywood industry.
Adele
Former Dutch Policeman Peter Van Der Veen, who earned the coveted title of “Mister Europe” in a renowned 2005 European bodybuilding competition, has leveraged his striking appearance and physical prowess to establish a career as a bodyguard, notably protecting celebrities like Adele and Lady Gaga.
Adele, celebrated for her exceptional vocal talents and beloved for her relatable persona, boasts a substantial net worth of around $190 million, justifying her decision to employ constant security detail that ensures her safety day and night.
In 2017, she enlisted the services of Peter Van Der Veen, formerly a bodyguard for Lady Gaga, at an annual cost of $70,000 for his dedicated protection.
Daniel Radcliffe
Daniel Radcliffe, renowned for his role as Harry Potter, enlists his vigilant bodyguard named Sam to ensure his safety in moments when he appears less intimidating without his iconic wand.
While not constantly surrounded by security, Radcliffe, who gained fame as a child actor, employs guards selectively, particularly during his travels.
Radcliffe’s enduring popularity from his Harry Potter days has attracted an enthusiastic fanbase, prompting occasional security arrangements for conventions and events where he maintains a relatively low profile compared to other co-stars.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Renowned for his tough boxing persona, Floyd Mayweather Jr. has an extensive entourage of muscular bodyguards, despite his own formidable abilities.
Despite his professional fighter status, Mayweather’s inclination to carry substantial amounts of cash has led him to maintain heightened security measures.
With an annual salary of $150,000, his security team enjoys additional perks including luxury items like Rolex watches and Mercedes Benz cars, enhancing their commitment to safeguarding Mayweather in all circumstances.
Justin Bieber
Due to his global fame, Justin Bieber constantly travels with a security detail, a necessity that arises from being one of the world’s most recognized individuals.
The challenges of immense celebrity status are evident in Bieber’s constant need for security, preventing him from enjoying personal outings without protection.
Even though his behavior has mellowed since his marriage, Bieber’s reputation for generating headlines during his peak years required his security team, led by Michael Arana, to remain prepared for various situations.
Taylor Swift
Despite Taylor Swift’s status as a global music icon and celebrity, her former bodyguard, Greg Dent, surprisingly had reservations about her approachable image. Dent believes the pop star is excessively friendly to fans.
Swift’s astronomical fame has led her to allocate a substantial sum of around $400,000 annually for security measures. With her chart-topping albums, constant media presence, and a fervent fan base, the investment in security appears justifiable.
Swift remains under the watchful eyes of not one, but two bodyguards, ensuring her safety even in unconventional situations such as riding roller coasters.
Rihanna
Rihanna, a global superstar, relies heavily on continuous security presence, even for routine tasks like a quick Target visit, resulting in an annual expenditure of approximately $500,000.
With substantial earnings from her music, fashion line, and beauty brand, Rihanna can comfortably allocate resources to ensure her safety, regardless of the scenario – be it touring, dining out, or running errands.
Her security expenses prove reasonable given her immense fame and a net worth surpassing half a billion dollars.
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez’s high-profile status as both an actress and singer necessitates constant protection, given her substantial wealth, beauty, and renowned relationships.
J.Lo consistently maintains a dedicated security entourage, incurring an annual expense of around half a million dollars to ensure her safety, a cost she could cover for nearly six hundred years with her wealth.
Her remarkable achievements come with the added facet of having a team of robust bodyguards to safeguard her during public appearances, a testament to her hard-earned success.
Beyoncé
As one of the world’s most celebrated figures, Beyoncé necessitates robust security measures to ensure her safety.
Queen Bey’s fame dates back to the ’90s, starting with Destiny’s Child and further solidified by her record-breaking solo career, and she approaches all aspects of her life, including personal security, on a grand scale.
Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z’s investment in protection reaches an impressive sum, ranging from two to four million dollars annually – a justified expenditure given their status as both performers and parents.
Kylie Jenner
As a prominent member of the Kardashian-Jenner family, Kylie Jenner has recognized the importance of robust security measures to safeguard her success.
With a monthly security expenditure ranging from $300,000 to $400,000, Kylie ensures her safety is a top priority.
Her nearly billion-dollar net worth justifies the substantial annual cost of her security team, considering her influential presence on social media, television, and her lucrative venture, Kylie Cosmetics.
Britney Spears
Britney Spears has faced persistent paparazzi attention throughout her career, leading her to prioritize robust security measures.
Recognizing the need for protection, she allocated substantial resources, with estimates indicating an annual expenditure of $400,000 in 2009, a figure that has since grown to around $600,000.
Britney’s journey through fame, marked by highs and lows since her rise to global stardom in the late ’90s, has been tumultuous. Despite periods of stability, paparazzi and persistent fans continue to hound her.
Geri Halliwell
Walking her dog alongside a towering bodyguard, Geri Halliwell, also known as Ginger Spice, appears positively puny in comparison.
Throughout her career, this English singer-songwriter has employed numerous bodyguards, yet her current one has garnered attention on fan pages dedicated to “hunky bodyguards.”
In the past, Geri reportedly made an attempt to set up one of her bodyguards with Triple M’s Rob Palmer. And although the connection never materialized, her efforts in the matchmaking were quite commendable.
Tom Cruise
While performing his own stunts on-screen, he may not truly be an action hero.
Tom Cruise enlists the services of ex-S.A.S. member Billy Billingham, at a weekly expense of $50,000 dollars.
His decades of global fame necessitate such arrangements.
Heidi Klum
Renowned model Heidi Klum, who has thrived in both the modeling and entertainment spheres, maintains a constant security presence and was frequently accompanied by her former longtime bodyguard, Martin Kirsten.
Her transition into an entertainment personality propelled her fame even further from her runway supermodel days.
With a family and children, Klum is committed to investing significantly, around a quarter of a million dollars annually, in security measures.
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston’s global recognition was solidified through her role as Rachel Green on Friends, and she bolstered her security by enlisting the services of renowned celebrity bodyguard Sheldon in 2013.
Her ascent to fame from her youthful days on Friends has elevated her to an A-list status, prompting her to maintain a contingent of bodyguards during her travels.
With a yearly expenditure of at least $240,000 on security, Jen’s substantial net worth of $300 million and devoted fan base justify her willingness to invest in protection.
The Beckhams
David and Victoria Beckham, both global icons, invest significantly in their security,alongside the installation of guardhouses in 2020 at one of their residences.
This power couple, with a combined net worth of $1 billion, constantly travels with close security, necessitating an estimated annual expenditure of $1 million.
Their extensive real estate holdings, spanning from Miami to Britain, underscore their commitment to safeguarding their assets, reflecting their recognition of the importance of comprehensive protection.
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand, a prominent figure with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, is no exception to the practice of having a personal bodyguard, an essential precaution given her extensive career spanning movies, stage, and music, justifying her annual investment of $125,000 in security.
While she maintains graciousness when interacting with fans, her years in the entertainment industry have undoubtedly instilled in her the need for protection.
Although not among the recent young stars, Streisand, as entertainment royalty, ensures her safety with ever-present security personnel, recognizing that fame comes with unique challenges, even during routine activities like shopping trips to Walmart or public appearances at events and award shows.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry, with a net worth of around $100 million, dedicates approximately $300,000 annually to ensure her peace of mind, a justifiable expense given her enduring presence in the public eye since the early ’90s and the various challenges, including paparazzi and zealous fans, she’s faced.
Throughout her extensive career, Berry has employed numerous bodyguards, even taking them on hikes, where their physical prowess and intimidating presence come into play.
Despite the recreational aspect of hikes, for the protection team, these outings are just an additional facet of their role when accompanying Berry to various places.
Kate Middleton
As the future Queen consort of England and the mother of the future king, Kate Middleton’s security expenses far exceed her own professional worth, estimated at $7 million.
The safety of not only herself but also her husband, Prince William, and their three children, is a paramount concern for the nation, with approximately $20 million allocated annually for their protection.
A team of dedicated bodyguards ensures her safety during her travels, with the entire cost being borne by the Crown, recognizing the significance of safeguarding the royal family.
Cher
Cher, the famous singer with a dedicated fan base, continues to invest over half a million dollars annually in her personal security, recognizing the enduring risks posed by enthusiastic fans.
Among her security team, her favorite bodyguard, Michael Francis, garners admiration on fan pages, a testament to his role in keeping Cher and her family safe.
Cher’s fame since the ’60s has attracted stalkers and peculiar fan encounters, reinforcing her commitment to spending on security measures that safeguard her well-being and that of her loved ones.
Katy Perry
Since her 2008 breakthrough with her first hit single, Katy Perry has ascended to entertainment stardom, releasing numerous chart-topping songs and even making a memorable appearance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Her role as a judge on American Idol further elevated her fame, necessitating the constant presence of her bodyguard, who is likened to a young Hugh Jackman.
Although it was expected that she would enhance her security following the birth of her first child in 2020, her enduring and long-term guard remains a fixture in her protection detail.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez shares a unique bond with her bodyguard, who isn’t just her protector but also a close friend, evident when she was invited to his wedding and even asked to make a heartfelt toast celebrating his love for his new wife.
While Gomez employs a team of bodyguards when in public, this particular individual holds a significant role as her primary security detail.
Such strong connections between celebrities and their security teams are not surprising given the considerable time spent together, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and camaraderie.
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie, who shares six children with her former husband Brad Pitt, has a significant need for security while managing her high-profile career as an actress.
Their former shared bodyguard, Billy Billingham, has commended the couple for their unwavering dedication to their children’s safety, with Jolie particularly concerned about potential kidnapping threats due to their combined billion-dollar net worth.
The intense scrutiny they received during and after their relationship led Jolie to maintain a dedicated security team, ensuring the ongoing safety of her family. Despite their divorce, Jolie’s commitment to security remains unchanged, and she now employs a different security team to protect her and her children.
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence, with her impressive career including an Oscar win for Silver Linings Playbook and a net worth exceeding $130 million, has the financial means to afford a dedicated security team.
While she tends to maintain a lower profile during her downtime, she still willingly allocates $125,000 per year for her bodyguard’s services, recognizing the occasional necessity for such protection in the world of fame.
As a result, Lawrence is accompanied by a team of bodyguards, ensuring her safety whenever she ventures out.
Jason Momoa
Despite his imposing physique, Jason Momoa recognizes the need for personal security to prevent potential injuries and to manage the attention he garners as a prominent actor, renowned for his roles as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones and Aquaman in the DC universe.
His popularity has led to a multitude of fans eager to interact with him, prompting him to allocate approximately $125,000 annually for security measures.
Consequently, Momoa, resembling a bodyguard himself, frequently appears in the company of security personnel as he navigates the demands of his growing fame, especially since his Marvel universe appearances.
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid, who made a significant impact in the fashion industry alongside her sister Gigi, understands the importance of maintaining a polished image in the eyes of photographers and fans.
Consequently, she allocates a substantial annual budget of $250,000 for personal security, a necessity given her frequent presence in the public eye.
One of her bodyguards, noted for his resemblance to movie star Jason Statham, accompanies her diligently. However, there have been instances of overzealous security measures, including one incident where a bodyguard pushed a female paparazzi, resulting in a reprimand from Bella.
Kristen Stewart
Despite being known for her privacy, actress Kristen Stewart recognizes the need for security and allocates a significant budget of $100,000 annually for this purpose. Her fame, particularly from starring in the Twilight series, has garnered her a substantial fan base, making security a necessity.
Her personal security guard, often dubbed “HBG” (handsome bodyguard) by fans, has not only gained attention for his looks but also for his reputation having worked with other notable stars like Nina Dobrev and Emilia Clarke.
Consequently, Stewart is rarely seen in public without him by her side.
Fergie
Fergie, the Black Eyed Peas singer, employs a multifaceted bodyguard named Pascal, who not only ensures her security but also has showcased his lifesaving skills.
In a remarkable incident during a 2011 flight, when a fellow passenger experienced a seizure and began vomiting, Pascal swiftly intervened, assisting in moving the distressed passenger to the aisle for emergency medical attention.
Fergie, upon arriving in Los Angeles, hailed Pascal as a hero for his quick and decisive actions. Despite his diverse skills, Pascal’s security services come at a relatively affordable estimated annual cost of $10,000.
Amber Rose
Amber Rose, renowned as a businesswoman and model with a substantial online following, has invested in a full-time bodyguard since 2017, at an estimated annual cost of $50,000.
Whether she’s in public or on social media, her dedicated bodyguard, often sporting a “MUVA” shirt associated with her brand, remains a constant presence.
Rose’s decision to hire him full-time came swiftly after a break-in at her home while she was asleep, underscoring the importance of security.
Ezra Miller
Ezra Miller, known for his roles in movies like Justice League and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, has enlisted the protection of his eccentric and stylish bodyguard, Gu Rubee.
Despite Miller’s easy-going nature that keeps him out of conflicts, he values security and pays a relatively modest sum of $15,000 annually for Gu’s services.
Given Miller’s three million dollar net worth, it’s a reasonable investment in personal safety for the actor known for portraying the Flash.
