Surfside mayor says officer's handling Gisele Bundchen traffic stop 'wholly unacceptable'

In a letter addressed to the town’s interim police chief, Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett is blasting a police officer for what he calls a “dismissive posture” towards supermodel Gisele Bundchen during a traffic stop Wednesday.

[@lenfest]

Throwing your own officer under the bus for professionally doing his job, not a good look Surfside. Hopefully the voters will remember how the Mayor treats lower class individuals like this officer who dare to not show the proper servitude to this obviously superior citizen who is in clear danger of being photographed.

[@ICIP13]

He wouldn't have thrown his officer under the bus had it been for example ( a poor or regular black American). He's signaling to the high net worths that his town will pander to them. He did basic math in hopes in keeping his tax base happy.

[@cynthiamartin2197]

@@ICIP13 💯

[@kingforaday8725]

@@ICIP13 Ahhhh, poor lil babies, so mistreated.

[@user-kk3qg5el1m]

He wouldn’t care if it was me. Boo hoo he handled her like he would’ve handled anyone else. This is disgusting to hear

[@MrDavfit]

Yes he handled her like his does everyone.... Rude dismissive and no empathy !! Hire better People oh wait.... its FLORIDA

[@BlackFemaleAnd50]

Good for that officer for treating her like everybody else. The pop has been chancing her her entire adult life. Bursting into tears because she got pulled over? That probably works for her all the time. *NEXT!!!*

[@RB-hc7is]

I’m going to side with the officer on this one.

[@thehunzz]

Officer sounded pretty darn fair to me.

[@mashy712]

The officer might have needed better etiquette. However, as a celebrity or if I were a celebrity if a cop gives you a ticket don’t fight at the traffic stop just accept the ticket and then you can take it to court. Celebrities have their attorney anyways.

[@garysmith1863]

supermodel treated like regular woman. Unacceptable

[@suntzu94]

Supermodel according to who? The association of the blind

[@SeverinoCatule]

​@@suntzu94According to her paycheck

[@timothymccabe8159]

Way to stand behind your employees. The cop was doing his job. Don’t turn Florida into California.

[@imtheman4805]

The chief is absolutely 100% a without a doubt definitely … Maybe Leader What a Sad Joke of a Leader

[@thompson7271]

This police officer deserves an award he treated her exactly the same way he would do that to anyone other lower income person. He is an excellent officer

[@MrDavfit]

your right, same don't give a crap attitude.. up your standards

[@user-gv9un1xb4b]

@@MrDavfit Liberals, woke, leftists are a scourge.

[@rosequeenofcruising6915]

Another entitled rich Karen complaining about consequences of being a celebrity 😂

[@shaunashwood]

It's not his job to coddle the poor millionaire supermodel. Or comfort her. He told her what he'd tell me, "file a restraining order or report, I have no authority to infringe on their 1st amendment rights."

[@bjvu9460]

First amendment rights is freedom of speech and freedom to record in public. How is chasing someone a first amendment issue? You seem to be confusing freedom of speech and whatnot with stalking, being a public nuisance, causing a public disorder . I bet you couldnt follow around the same clown tailing him . If you dont believe me, there are videos of people following around cops and these clowns dont like it and the last time I checked, they are public officials and the first amendment nonsense you referenced would apply to those situation but for some reason it didnt. So, mr first amendment, why dont you try following around a cop and see what happens. Try it

[@conscientiousobserver8772]

Paparazzi are scum. Professional stalkers. He knows that but resents her for it.

[@shaunashwood]

@@conscientiousobserver8772 so you "know he resents her for it?" You don't even know what you're eating for lunch tomorrow but somehow you know what's in another person's mind 2000' miles away?

[@conscientiousobserver8772]

@@shaunashwood How the hell would I know that? Stop projecting.

[@shaunashwood]

@@conscientiousobserver8772 your the one that said it

[@cruzee1021]

I don't see anything wrong with how this officer spoke to Giselle. She chose to be a celebrity, she knows there are paparazzi. Stop acting like a victim.

[@scottulrich2725]

Chief needs to find another profession.

[@PHlophe]

Scott, Chief eres un lambón !

[@ronnyron4651]

She got pulled over and went into victim mode quick

[@LindaKieltyka-sm8ge]

I believe she is a victim...ever been chased by these sleaze bags??

[@bigbadbubba099]

Its amazing what money can get you out of. A poor woman living in a trailer would be dragged out and arrested.😢

[@dragonflydolemite]

THIS

[@anthonylew183]

Say less, all facts

[@BlackFemaleAnd50]

This comment needs to be pinned to the top.

[@astinmartin413]

Sadly, yes.

[@robinroupe9940]

I think it’s safe to say that the average American is sick and tired of celebrities/rich people being coddled when caught breaking the law. No matter the crime. Paparazzi excuse is old.

[@richardmesser1091]

Like you know anything about it

[@user-kx9mb5fl7l]

So they didn’t treat the privileged supermodel like a privileged supermodel, what’s the problem?

[@ronnyron4651]

Empathy 😂why because she’s a super model

[@user-kq8qo8go8j]

The MAYOR is setting a bad example by butting in crticizing a cop that truly cannot do a thing about the paps.Giselke must have made a big dination to Surfside mayor.On another matter she is CONSTANTLY having her agent get her random photos doing this and that in the Daily Mail and every other rag! SHE USED IT AS AN EXCUSE YO SPEED.Her fault.

[@nsls8223]

That cop did nothing wrong. She went into victim mode. How are y'all buying this? Nobody cares about her being a supermodel 🙄

[@sw6088]

Really!????? It’s not his job to deal with her feelings. She didn’t get a ticket for her erratic conduct. But the officer is still the bad guy somehow. This mayor is clearly looking for some campaign cash.

[@stevenledbetter80]

If it was somebody else would be a lot different.

[@PHlophe]

if Megan markle had tried the same stunt as Jezele binssen . hoooo weeee this would have been a gift for the UK press .

[@eddiearmijo6635]

Hollywood Snow Flakes. The World could do without them.

[@bjvu9460]

stop being jealous . You make it seem as if you are some great asset to planet earth. I bet you are no more than some loser who lives paycheck to paycheck, a drunk, drug addict and did I already mention loser, but its easy to criticize and get a bunch of losers to support your nonsense. If what she does for a living was so easy, then you should do it because there is a 400 million dollar fortune waiting. I bet you mother , sister, and any other female family member is just as useless and worthless as you and again, if what she did for a living is so easy, then your mother should have done it, your wife should have done it and your useless kids can try it since a 400 million dollar fortune awaits instead of living PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK! Be respectful you low life loser

[@imtheman4805]

But she is Special She was married to the GOAT so she gets a lifetime pass on adherence to laws

[@JoshyJosh]

She and Brady are Trumptards tho...

[@jonbrown3981]

Ok what did the officer say that was wrong??? I’m confused…if I was the police chief I’d write a letter to the mayor and tell him to mind his buisness

[@cynthiamartin2197]

isn't the mayor the police chiefs boss?

[@WilliamBrinkley45]

Running from the paparazzi is never a good idea, lady Diana taught us that. Fame comes with consequences and you shouldn’t get a pass to speed because you’re a celebrity. Funny how the cop pulled her over without seeing any paparazzi though….whats up with that?

[@hammertyme8392]

Another strong independent woman that don't need no man. Crocodile tears win every time. Even got the mayor feeling sorry for her.

[@ronaldcroci5498]

Get over yourself!

[@chickensdone1]

I don’t hesitate to call out officers on poor performance with the public. But this officer did nothing wrong. Everyone else around him is making a mountain out of a mole hill.

[@CuttySobz]

Narcissist seeks fame. Narcissist gets fame. Narcissist gets mad because they are famous. Narcissist cries.

[@onamission1898]

She went into entitled Karen mode .

[@JM-wn1gr]

No, she didn’t But at the same time, the mayor is wrong He treated her just fine. The Mayer only said that because she’s a famous model and he is an opportunist.

[@mashy712]

She’s not Karen. She may been legit scared of the situation. A Karen would be little Ms “I know everything” Mayor shouldn’t have punished the cop.

[@BarryDuffield]

He did his job and he was factual.

[@JoshyJosh]

Can't believe im saying this but that cop did NOTHING wrong. The entitlement of that woman is crazy.

[@mashy712]

Which woman? The mayor. Yes!

[@emms_338]

Come on.... I dont like the police and i didnt think anything was wrong here besides Gisele being emotionally unstable.. cry baby..

[@hammertyme8392]

Didn't even get a ticket, and still crying

[@LindaKieltyka-sm8ge]

You might get a little emotional if you were being stalked...

[@barbaraoneill7384]

Please! if this was a regular every day person that went through this, no one would give two sh*ts about their feelings. This is such BS! Looks like someone’s trying to jump on the Brady wagon to get free football tickets 👍🏻

[@nurseroger4855]

lol @ the Beta mayor & Beta chief‼️ Paparazzi has been following her for 20 years+ She was trolling to get out of the traffic violation 🫶🏾 GOD Bless Y’all

[@BirdDogey1]

exactly

[@jahack7776]

This officer was amazing and very respectful, but stern. Which is what we need in officers. Should we give people breaks because their celebrities? I don’t think that would be fair.

[@peskycitizen66]

You committed a crime. There's no sympathy you broke the law. I got no empathy when my brother went get through chemo.

[@RideMiamiMagic]

💯

[@RideMiamiMagic]

Plastic little surfside model poor little baby

[@AGirlWithQuestions]

sorry

[@macplow2234]

Oh please. This is ridiculous. I got no problem with how this officer performed his duties.

[@darryllibby98]

Shit..I got to remember to cry when they pull me over in that town.!!!!😂😂😂😂

[@theone-ds7iz]

Next time just use💩 instead of the word.

[@kensmith2796]

Interesting bizarro world we are living in these days. It used to be that police were supposed to treat all citizens the same. Apparently now they are expected to coddle the rich and famous. What's most shocking is this directive is coming from police and city officials in Florida. FL is generally a state that respects the law and frowns upon criminals no matter their sob story or social status.

[@BirdDogey1]

Imagine if he gave her special treatment? He would be in trouble for that.

[@youtubepolitics4u]

She should ask Tom to hook her up with a economy car rental from Hertz and paparazzis would never follow her.

[@vgb1328]

She should have stayed with her husband never had these problems with tom

[@juanalmos1959]

U don’t want to be filmed,recorded,photographed don’t go out in public,crying like she’s struggling pay check to pay check like the masses….no empathy

[@RickAP]

I guess the cop should've arrested her instead? What kind of a stupid reaction is this?

[@tonymadden4949]

This was quite cordial compared to most officers in any jurisdiction. You're only making a big deal because people aren't treated the same under the separate but equal act. These type of publicity stunts only further confuse people. Anyone being sought out by paparazzi generally have the money for a chauffer and security. Models, by their inherent nature, are narcissists, and like to be seen. They just don't like the people to view them in public...Pros and cons of the business. The Mayor sounds like he's ignorant of the constitution when he goes on camera and says dumb things like he said. All parties need to consult with attorney's for advice. Maybe even some sociological or psychological help as well.

[@Paradys8]

So because she was a model -> the police has to BOW to her and cuddle her/ comfort her for not respecting the law? NO, I don’t think so.

[@Paradys8]

Oh Please! She still have to respect the law even though she used to be a model…

[@tinebino]

Quit putting so much pressure on the Officer, if we all are honest, they can never to anything right in the eyes of the public -right? if they do to much for celebrity, than they are partial, and here they are not emphatic enoug....They are people like you and me, but they have to deal with so much more crap day by day and it is getting worse!

[@LAFITZ10]

GIVE ME A BREAK - WE CAN'T ALL CRY CROCODILE TEARS AS A SUPER MODEL - GIVE ME A BREAK

[@mashy712]

You have the right to cry. But the fact the mayor made it a big deal and shamed the officer is not right.

[@TheDJEnrique]

omg the mayor is a joke . they know if this was a normal stop with a normal citizen they wouldn’t care if we are crying or speeding

[@branflakee4257]

Shes just a supermodel that nobody knows. Not even the ma...

[@josephnewbern2717]

I wonder the driver was named “Tammy”, “Mai-Ling”, or “Sha’Mequa” if the mayor’s boxers would be in such a bunch. The mayor needs to get over himself and both he and the chief need to back their officers. Clearly, there was no possible way for the officer to satisfy the mayor. I feel for Gisele. I have no knowledge of her ever being a behavior problem. I’m sure that being followed everywhere she goes (frankly, I’m more concerned about her children) sucks, but if she was driving dangerously it was the police officer’s duty to intervene. It is NOT HIS JOB to give her a shoulder to cry on, and I didn’t even see him ticket her. He’s not there as a social worker. GOOD JOB OFFICER. STAY SAFE and watch your back. Even at City Hall.

[@SwampGal]

Had that been any other citizen it would of never been on the news. I feel the officer did his job and did it properly. Her trying to get away from the media is no excuse to break the traffic laws.

[@JM-wn1gr]

really would this mayor care if it was just an ordinary woman and not a famous model! He is such an opportunist

[@BirdDogey1]

The officer did absolutely nothing wrong. Just what is he supposed to do about papparazzi in another city? C'mon. Mayor thru him under the bus because a rich person was bothered by the attention she receives for being famous and extremely wealthy. I guess he forget to humble himself enough in her presence. Cry me a river. Go Pats!

[@cindyhitson9367]

She went into her Drama Mode. The Court can’t do anything about the Paparazzi

[@MargaretBradley-qx8tc]

They wouldn't be taking about this if it was a poor person

[@lauralou4852]

Meanwhile in Rochester New York 😅…. Sheesh 😩 give this man a job up north! Send Sandra down there 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@setatsdetinu3704]

Are u kidding Rosh they made u read that 😂😂😂😂 empathy??? Did u show empathy to Kodak 🤔😭 I'm asking for a friend!

[@Psych9589]

But there is nothing he can do. If they are not doing anything illegal and just filming her in public he cannot do anything to them.

[@richardhernandez488]

Where's her karate boyfriend?

[@tommoon2512]

Where were the supposed paparazzi???😂😂😂

[@mashy712]

They de spawn when you get a 1 star level. 😂

[@arnoldwatcher]

Someone who drives like that and does not have the presence if mind should not be allowed to continue to drive. The next time I speed I will use tears to get out of a ticket. Astonishing how celebrities get away with everything. She should have gotten a ticket and if there is any reason to publicly critcise the police officer than bc he did not give her a ticket like she would have gotten if she would be one of the readers of this post. This police chief needs to be removed for publicly stating the officer should have done more to please the princess !

[@cynthiamartin2197]

make sure you identify as a SUPER MODEL 🙄

[@justmyopinion3764]

No one can have empathy for her unless they are also famous and being followed by photographers. They can have sympathy, but not empathy. There's a difference.

[@Stich46]

The cop did his job and treated her with respect, if it was any other citizen no one would’ve said anything even the mayor or police chief, this is pathetic, do they treat everyone else with empathy? I don’t think so…

[@Stich46]

Now I know why Tom Brady walked away, if this is what he had to deal with everyday..

[@heatison11]

Officer didnt do anything wrong, officers NEED to have discretion with how they handle situations

[@GetYourStitchOn]

Boohoo.

[@lonrichards8824]

It amazes me how officials cow tow to all this crap. Pretty soon officers will have to apologize for arresting you on a Felony warrant.

[@mashy712]

I got yelled by an officer for getting a “impedance in traffic” I actually cried. But the mayor didn’t care.

[@Luvacanuck]

Then get a driver and bodyguards…friggin’ princess!🙄

[@doodmonkey]

LOL. Can we interview a local?

[@mayraotero9903]

This is real? She is a supermodel? Que se comporte como una supermodel.

[@cynthiamartin2197]

FORMER 'super model' ..

[@foedeer]

Hope the police officer files for unfair dismissal because there was nothing he did that warranted that.

[@jorgejefferson8251]

The Mayor is being disingenuous at best, and the Chief should know better. The police can't do a darn thing about someone following her around in a public space taking photos. The officer was correct in his actions and what he told her. In fact the officer theoretically couldn't go as far as he did in telling the photog to leave the area of the traffic stop as long as he wasn't interfering with the officer carrying out his official duties.

[@TIZNYC]

"Sensitivity and empathy" From cops? Not in this lifetime.

[@CrouchingSoldier]

Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. Then he would have been accused of 'favoritism' or giving preferential treatment to a 'celebrity'.

[@fundifferent1]

How dare he give a rich white lady a citation? Does he not know the rules in America. Their tears are golden.

[@tennisace40]

Yeah right. All the rich people get special treatment.

[@cynthiamartin2197]

you bet they do; look up Monroe County, NY... THE DA Sandra Dooley.... disgusting...

[@jnj2195]

lol...What's the Mayor talking about?! The officer was quite kind. What's Mayor Burkett thinking he's going to score a dinner with her? Stop. She got treated like everyone else, perhaps a bit better even. Stop the nonsense.

[@joelkeeton434]

He didn't kowtow to her and that is "...wholly unacceptable and not reflective of the values, judgment, and service residents expect from their police." Apparently in this district, the entitled residents need to be pampered.

[@cafedulce6545]

Why empathy? Because she is a model? Oh please cops dont show empathy when they stop people

[@astinmartin413]

First the DA of New York now a Supermodel 🤦🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️ wow

[@leticiasanchez4934]

They don’t show sympathy for anyone. She’s a citizen that broke the law!!!

[@user-lv1hx3yc2c]

No balls mayor throws officer under the bus.

[@widerje]

Mr. Mayor, It's not helpful to defund the police, let repeat criminals free on no bail, having homeless and open drug use. But the issue is the cop wasn't sensitive enough with the multi millionaire??? If only the government in California took the real issue this seriously. The Peoples Republic of California is crumbling. Sad

[@vbstein]

Is the mayor stupid? Officer is completely in the right

[@joebyron4892]

What a coward of a Mayor and coward of a police chief. Hope that guy quits and goes somewhere better

[@SeverinoCatule]

What if these people from the elite have a little more down to earth view of the world and have more sympathy with normal people

[@SusanStorm217]

Why does a supermodel get a traffic stop special handling exception, and the DA Sandra Doorley traffic stop does not? They are both looking for special treatment. I guess supermodel privilege supersedes DA privilege.

[@AFAskygoddess]

I identify as a beautiful woman who is 8 inches taller, 40 pounds thinner, and 35 years younger. Will that and a few crocodile tears get me out of my next traffic stop?

[@smsjr36]

If it was anybody else it would have been different. That officer was did nothing wrong, never raised his voice and he specifically told her to file a report. Royalty privilege!

[@2792ufd4]

Why can’t the police do anything? And there’s no empathy….and not helpful….i feel really bad for Gisele 😢

[@juanb1363]

So you’re saying double standards, right?! pathetic he acted very professional.

[@Qtip855]

You’re rich and famous. You worked for that. Paparazzis come with the territory. No sympathy here. No ticket?

[@mashy712]

I don’t mind the celebrities , not paying their tickets due to special circumstances. However an officer getting in trouble just by doing their job is wrong though. This officer also sounded very nice. He was stuttering (nervous and sweet to the girl.)

[@BlackFemaleAnd50]

Good for that officer for treating her like everybody else. The pop has been chancing her her entire adult life. Bursting into tears because she got pulled over? That probably works for her all the time. *NEXT!!!*

[@motorcopchroniclespodcast8599]

what is supposed to hold her tell her its going to be ok, here let me wipe those tears away. then boom he is in trouble for flirting, he did his job sorry he didn't kiss her butt

[@bobisgollis5168]

Wahhhhhh...

[@christenmarzilli5729]

Ridiculous! This officer was NOT rude. Heaven forbid he treat a celebrity like a normal person! I wish all these late night quarterback video criticers would try being a police officer for a day before passing such judgement on them day after day. Unbelievable

[@underratednerd8259]

So what you’re say is people of this status should be treated like this, but regular folks should be treated in another way? But isn’t the law applied to everyone one equally? The woman who holds the scales of justice is blindfolded ? She weighs the facts not the individual….. whatever the wealth always win anyway….

[@BM-ef2ph]

That’s because she has money and who she is.

[@kennystwo7873]

Cop was doing his job, its Florida get a gun if your scared for your life. Your an old super model and famous for something. If she was truly afraid she could have called the police and said someone was following her. I am sure it’s tuff being rich and famous.

[@rosskaleolani7045]

Possibly could have handled different yet as far as paparazzi following her, what can he do about it? I read comments that police are suppose to serve and protect, yes they are yet police have a duty to protect the community as a whole police have no duty to protect any certain individual. If she wants protection then hire private security.