Sienna Miller and ‘Harry Potter’ writer J.K. Rowling testified in a London courtroom on November 23, saying living under the scrutiny of the British tabloid media leaves them anxious, angry and fearful, the Detroit Free Press is reporting. They added that the constant watch by the media makes them feel like prisoners in their own homes.

While Rowling said that when you’re famous, you in essence ask for the attention. But she told the media ethics inquiry that having journalists on her doorstep makes her feel like she’s under siege. Rowling also said that no one prepared her for the media attention she received after her first book, ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ became a hit.

Miller added that years of being chased by cars and midnight pursuits have left her feeling violated and paranoid. The actress and writer were just among many, including Hugh Grant, a former aid to Elle Macpherson and the parents of missing and murdered children, who described how being the focus of the tabloids wreaked havoc on their lives.

The inquiry was set by by Prime Minister David Cameron after the scandal of the illegal eavesdropping by the News of the World broke. Dozens of the tabloid’s journalists and editors have been arrested since Rupert Murdoch closed the newspaper in July 2011. Evidence emerged that they illegally accessed the voice mails of celebrities, politicians and even crime victims in search of scoops.

The News of the World scandal also cost the jobs of two top London police officers, Cameron’s media adviser and several Murdoch executives. It also set off a national debate about the balance of press freedom and individual privacy.

Judge Brian Leveson, who’s leading the inquiry, aims to have a report by next year. He may recommend major changes to Britain’s system of media self-regulation.

Written by: Karen Benardello