No More Hollywood Hearts Allowed At Ground Zero

Posted Monday, October 8, 2001 at 10:22 AM Central

by Heather Koehler

Even though celebrity visits to Ground Zero are meant with the best of intentions, New York City officials have told the stars to stop visiting the devestated area of Manhattan.

Humanitarian, absolutely, but safe? Not at all. With the amounts of steel, rubble and glass not even the trained rescue workers are safe. Mayor Giuliani also adds "it's a crime scene."

The request to keep away doesn't mean the celebrities visits and help hasn't been appreciated. The rescuers, who have been working in 14 hour shifts for weeks now, are very uplifted by visits from stars, professional athletes and of course, Hugh Hefner's little bunnies. But those famous faces are also a distraction.

So, instead of visiting the wreckage, stars have been redirected to city hall and the command center to leave autographs, hand out food and give support.