The Unbearable Weight of Fame: Why Celebrity Scrutiny Has Gone Too Far

The public’s claim that celebrities ‘signed up for it’ when they entered the industry is a simplistic and morally dubious justification for excessive scrutiny. While a reasonable expectation of public interest in their work and public life is fair, signing a contract for a movie role is not an unwritten agreement to forfeit basic human rights, including the right to privacy, safety, and a life free from constant public hounding. This argument is an intellectual shortcut used to rationalize behavior that would be considered harassment if directed at an ordinary citizen.