“Crazy that the internet is ignoring the fact that someone was an abuser solely because he was in a boy band and died. I feel bad for his family but I am not mourning that man.” These words were posted by my good friend and former Editor-in-Chief Emma. She was referring to Liam Payne, the One Direction band member who recently passed away. Her bold comment sparked a brief conversation about how fans frequently overlook celebrities’ questionable behavior.

I looked a little into the context behind Emma’s comment and learned from a Jersey Battered Women’s Service news article that Payne abused his ex-fiance during their engagement. Many of Payne’s fans defended him and refused to believe his ex-fiancée when she opened up about her abuse. He passed away shortly after she spoke about her experience.

I remember months ago when a close friend of mine stopped listening to one of her favorite artists Lovejoy because she learned he was an abuser. It was shocking and disappointing to her, but she firmly stated she would not support an abuser; she no longer wanted to be associated with him or his past actions. 

Both of these instances give me reason to urge you to consider who you are supporting. How well do you know your favorite celebrities?

I am not asking you to find every detail about a celebrity’s personal life. They are not obligated to live their entire lives before fans. I do recommend you rethink how you perceive a celebrity’s public conflict. When allegations and controversy arise, do your own research and do not take a celebrity’s or the media’s word for the truth.

When a celebrity’s misconduct is confirmed, do we allow such behavior to go unnoticed or ignored? Just because they are a celebrity does not mean we should allow them to get away with wrongdoings we hold everyday individuals accountable for. Celebrities are real people just like us. 

Learning more about who a celebrity is as a person often changes our perspective for better or worse. If we view individuals in such high esteem, we should also examine their character. 

I am not a Liam Payne fan, but the controversy bothers me enough to write about this. I hope we, as fans and supporters of any celebrity, can move forward with a critical eye. Don’t let the concept of celebrity blind you to the reality of glamorized individuals.