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Celebrity Bodyguards: The Tall, Dark, and Handsome Men Who Protect the Stars

BBG News

Whether they’re touring the world or trying to dodge crowds, there is one person who can always be found near an A-lister… their bodyguard. 

But it seems that once you’ve secured a good reputation as human shield to the stars, the line of celebrities desperate to hire you is a long one. 

Sabrina Carpenter was recently spotted accompanied by two burly men on her Short ‘n’ Sweet tour, 7ft tall Mason James and 6ft 4″ Pascal Duvier.

And they have both got a roster of famous clientele, with James formerly looking after TOWIE’s James Argent and Duvier worked for Kim Kardashian – until their relationship soured when she was robbed at gun point in Paris. 

A source close to The Sun revealed that Pascal and Sabrina have become quite friendly, with Sabrina feeling at ease in his presence. Pascal has had a challenging time since his encounter with Kim in Paris, but he remains respected within their circle.

However, it’s not just Sabrina who seeks assistance from other stars’ imposing protection services; TopMob delves into the tight-knit fraternity that makes up the realm of celebrity security personnel.

Skilled security specialist Peter Van der Veen has provided services to a variety of high-profile celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Iggy Azalea, and Adele.

He ignited the hearts of numerous Adele fans when he made his debut as her bodyguard, standing taller than most fans and seldom leaving her side.

It’s not surprising that numerous prominent figures are seeking his bodyguard services; after all, he was titled Mr Europe in 2005 following his career as a bodybuilder.

Born in the Netherlands, he has even appeared on backing tracks for Gaga – for whom he was bodyguard to first.

Van der Veen was then lured to work with Adele from 2010 to 2015, before rejoining team Gaga in 2018. 

Another bodyguard to have protected a range of stars is Londoner Simon Newton, who boasts one of the widest portfolios in celebrity protection.

He is known for being a bodyguard to some of the most famous people in the world – including Michael Jackson, Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Rita Ora.

Newton formerly served in the British army before beginning his personal protection role in the Middle East for the American oil company KBR.

Among his notable clients are Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and various members of Middle Eastern nobility.

Meanwhile, Alberto Alvarez doesn’t fit the typical mold of a celebrity bodyguard given his criminal background and past dismissals from his clientele.

In the summer of 2022, Alvarez was hired as head of security for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. But he was soon fired from the role, reportedly after they became concerned due to his past convictions for driving under the influence and domestic violence.

Alvarez boasts 15 years of expertise in delivering security services to high-profile individuals, with a notable 5-year tenure protecting Michael Jackson and his family.

Back in March 2010, TMZ disclosed that Alvarez lost his job with the Jackson family following the revelation of two instances of driving under the influence against him, as well as accusations of domestic abuse.

The site stated that the Jacksons dismissed the security guard once they found out about his criminal background and decided he should no longer be around their numerous children due to safety concerns.

Alvarez had worked as a bodyguard for Jackson for more than five years. He was pictured by the singer’s side during Jackson’s 2004 child molestation trial in Santa Maria, California, and again in Beverly Hills in May 2009 just days before Jackson’s death.

Alvarez was later hired by boy band One Direction for their security. 

Pop sensation Taylor Swift reportedly gave up her personal bodyguard Jimmy for royalty in 2021.

Despite the fact that we’re unsure about his complete name, he’s often seen alongside the celebrity, even on outings with her ex-boyfriend, Joe Alwyn, on various occasions.

But when Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visited the US in September 2021, Jimmy and at least one other member of Ms Swift’s security team were spotted accompanying them instead of the singer.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were driven around and guarded by the security detail, including a former NYPD officer who is also Ms Swift’s head of security.

In his 50s, a man named Jimmy (who is known simply by that name) has faced issues with individuals who invaded the privacy of a singer by entering their apartment uninvited and acting as stalkers on previous occasions.

Jimmy has also been seen guarding Swift, including during her appearance at the 2019 VMAs.

It is not clear if Swift loaned Meghan and Harry her guards during their stay in New York as a favour or if the Sussexes happened to hire them from a company.

Personal trainer and martial arts guru Matt Fiddes protected singer Michael Jackson for ten years – before becoming a multi-millionaire and property developer.

He moved into prominence after defending the famous person when he passed away, and he even went so far as to claim that one of Michael Jackson’s children was actually his own offspring.

The martial arts master, who provided protection for Jackson in the UK, claims he gave the star a sperm donation in 2001 after Jackson told him he wanted an ‘athletic’ child – a year before son Blanket was born. 

Lately, he’s often spotted with Megan Barton-Hanson from Love Island. They have been training together privately, and he has also joined her in social outings.

He’s been teaching self-defense and martial arts to several celebrities, such as Saffron Hart and Hayley Hughes among others.

Standing at six feet and three inches tall, Justin Riblet often loomed over Brooklyn Beckham, a teenager who stands at five feet and eight inches. Riblet, in his role with the Beckham family, was often observed protecting him.

He is a former US special forces sergeant, having graduated in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University, New Jersey.

Besides guarding members of ex-England star David’s family, he also spent time as a bodyguard for actress Jennifer Lawrence. 

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2025-03-15 16:25

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