Graphic by Trinity Kendrick ’21
Content warning: this article references suicide and sexual violence.
Caroline Flack, the former host of Britain’s “Love Island,” committed suicide on Feb. 15 of this year. Many have expressed their condolences and questioned the role of the media as a contributing factor to her death. In 2011, Flack faced serious criticism for her relationship with Harry Styles while he was 17 and she was 32. At the time, she was also awaiting trial for a domestic disturbance in which she allegedly hit her boyfriend over the head with a lamp while he was sleeping. These actions are clearly wrong, and celebrities like Flack should be held accountable for their bad behavior. However, the media’s horrible treatment of Flack’s case demonstrates the need to handle the stories of the deceased in a more respectful and productive way.
Celebrities are (and should be) held to a different standard of behavior than the average person. As public figures, they have more power, money and influence than most. Harvey Weinstein, for example, was able to cover up allegations of sexual assault for years while producing movies which deeply affect our culture. The privileges public figures enjoy make it important for us to hold them accountable for their actions, because these actions can impact the world we live in. When a celebrity acts irresponsibly, the public has a right to know so that society can reckon with it.
The way we address these issues is also important and at times this accountability is actually glorified bullying. Posting on Instagram about things celebrities did wrong in their lives does not have a positive impact, and doing so on the day they pass away is cruel to their friends, loved ones and fans.
For example, when young rapper XXXTentacion was shot in an attempted robbery in June of 2018, the internet reacted in two different ways: fans expressed their condolences, while others pointed to his long history of violence and abuse. While his prior actions were wrong, the backlash that occurred was not constructive and effectively removed his humanity, leaving no space for fans and family to grieve.
Addressing the problematic things celebrities did in their lifetimes in a constructive way is possible, and the documentary “Leaving Neverland” about Michael Jackson’s history of sexually abusing children is a good example. While Michael Jackson’s influence in music is undeniable, and removing his legacy is impossible at this time, providing the public with the facts about his pedophilia was imperative. By making a documentary with so much public attention, society’s understanding of Michael Jackson has truly changed for the better.
Michael Jackson may have been treated differently because he was an iconic musical figure for decades, during and after his life. While Flack and XXXTentacion did not ascend to such a level of popularity and respect, they do not deserve to be objectified, even while dead. While Flack and XXXTentacion fell short of Michael Jackson’s status as a public figure, they deserve the same respectful treatment after death.
What Flack did in her lifetime was clearly wrong, but we should be respectful of the current situation and allow individuals to retain their humanity in death.