I think it's appalling how much celebrities charge for interaction (or autographs) at various functions. I know that many times, the organization (that is holding or sponsoring the function) charges the fees, but I would feel like a real slug (as a celebrity) to go along with charging hard-working individual hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars for the "privilege' of being in their presence for a bit of time. (unless the money is going to a reputable charity)
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to meet my childhood idol. A friend of mine is an entertainer and through him, I was able to attend a function at which they paid this person to appear and speak. I got a few minutes alone with the individual and it was everything you'd imagine in meeting your childhood hero.
Then, a few months later, this person was appearing at a local convention. Since it was close to my house, I went. And this time, it was all about the money. I mentioned that I was friends of the individuals from the prior event (who had paid this person a hefty fee just two months earlier) and the star blandly said "oh... yes.... them". Now, meanwhile, when the star was at the function two months earlier, they absolutely gushed over the hosts for three hours. (guess they felt obligated since the hosts paid thousands for the appearance)
At the convention, I had taken a bunch of memorabilia to be signed.....at $25.00 a signature. I stupidly paid $225 to have 9 items signed. I cut myself off after that, being disgusted over how stupid I was to shell out the money. I wanted a picture with the star. The fee was $40, even if I used my own camera. I had just spent $225 for 5 minutes of this person's time, to scribble their signature and they wouldn't let me be IN the picture without paying $40??? I was furious. I snapped one picture of the star holding 2 of my extremely rare collectibles, figuring if I ever sell them, I have proof they actually signed them.
After that, I decided I'd never again pay one cent for a celebrity signature.
Last year, this star's counterpart also made an appearance at the same convention and charged a few hundred for a picture taken with them (even if you used your own camera) and $60 for ONE autograph. (not to mention the $25 fee just to enter the convention building) There was no way I was going to pay $60 for a signature to "complete" the set.