In recent years, people have grown increasingly concerned about the behavior of well-known celebrities who have been accused of misconduct. Many opinions have circulated online, and in some cases, it has been suggested that these individuals are treated differently based on their fame or perceived character. This has become a growing issue as more celebrities and influencers are called out for their actions – some of which have harmed others or damaged their own reputations. One might expect swift action or consequences to follow, but that sentiment often fades, and no charges are ever brought forward. In contrast, when a lesser-known figure is “canceled,” they are often removed from public platforms quickly, with little chance of recovery. But why?
It is easier to make sense of this disparity with examples. Let’s start with the most notable celebrity, who was accused of being a pedophile by Kendrick Lamar: Drake, a superstar rapper who began his career in the early 2000s, gradually made a name for himself through collaborations and songs well-loved by fans. During a concert in 2010, footage circulated of him kissing a 17-year-old girl, who was a minor, on stage. He was reportedly over the age of 21 at the time. While this raised some concerns, the event did not receive widespread media coverage or public backlash at the time.
Fast forward to 2024, when Kendrick Lamar brought the incident back into the public eye with the release of several diss tracks, but one stood out the most: “Not Like Us.” This song revisited controversies from over 13 years ago. sbut even then, no official investigations or consequences followed. Instead, public reaction appeared to be limited to online criticism.
Another example that has resurfaced in public discourse is that of music mogul Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy. Combs, an iconic figure in the music industry, was known for hosting elaborate parties and maintaining high-profile relationships with other celebrities.
In recent years, serious allegations have emerged accusing Combs of being involved in non-consensual acts and misconduct involving minors, although he has denied the claims. It was not until 2024, when lawsuits were filed and evidence reportedly came to light, that public scrutiny intensified. This raises the question: why did it take so long for these allegations to gain traction, and why are similar accusations against lesser-known figures often handled more swiftly and harshly by the public?
Now that we have two significant examplesthe pattern becomes clearer. These examples are not intended to excuse or downplay anyone’s actions, but rather to explore how fame and influence can shape the consequences individuals face. Everyone can name a controversial celebrity or influencer who faced minimal consequences, while smaller creators or less powerful figures are often quickly deplatformed or socially exiled—even when the behavior in question is arguably comparable.
“I think it’s very wrong and displays a very corrupt part of our society. How can we punish conditional to fame, and still call that justice? it sickens me, we need to have a backbone as a culture,” West Chicago Community High School senior Alex Briggs said.
A prominent example is CallMeCarson, a YouTuber known for his gaming content. At 19-years-old, CallMeCarson was accused by members of his “Lunch Club” of having inappropriate conversations with a 17-year-old fan. The messages in question, according to reports and screenshots, involved explicit exchanges. However, in the state where the fan resided, the age of consent was 17, and the age gap between the two was just two years. Despite the legality, Carson faced immediate backlash online, with many fans labeling him a predator and urging him to leave the platform. He later deleted his Discord server and took a hiatus from content creation. No legal charges were filed, and the case never progressed beyond social media discourse—yet the personal toll was significant.
“I believe that every celebrity deserves to be exposed for any wrongdoings depending on the severity of their actions but I do not agree with smaller influencer celebrities getting the shorter end of the stick and getting more punishment for actions that may not be as major as other big name celebrities. I believe all celebrities should be held accountable but i don’t agree with the mistreatment some celebrities especially those who are smaller may face for false accusations or actions that may not be as severe as others as I believe people should get second chances depending on the person they are and the action they did. But, if any celebrity commits a severe or heinous crime they deserved to be bashed and held accountable for whatever action they did,” senior Puneet Chohan said.
Let’s be clear: we are not defending those who have committed harmful acts. Instead, we’re raising the point that legal accountability should be applied consistently, without favoritism based on fame or financial status. From YouTubers like Shane Dawson, James Charles, and Dream to mainstream artists like Beyoncé and Kanye West, some figures face disproportionate scrutiny while others seemingly avoid it altogether. This inconsistency contributes to the sense that the system is flawed—or worse, corrupt.
Prominent creators can continue to release music, videos, or other content with little to no visible repercussions, even after facing serious accusations. Take Kanye West, for example. While he has made several controversial and offensive statements over the years, he has not been charged with any crimes. Despite this, he remains a divisive figure – proving that public opinion often serves as the only form of punishment, regardless of whether legal lines were crossed.
YouTube apology videos have also become part of the culture – some sincere, others mocked for their lack of substance. It can be argued that apologizing suggests a degree of guilt, but in many cases, it is better than silence. Apology videos from creators like Miranda Sings and Logan Paul have been widely ridiculed, suggesting that how one responds to controversy can influence public perception just as much as the original accusation.
The media—and by extension, social platforms – should hold celebrities accountable across the board. In the age of TikTok and Instagram, serious topics are often reduced to memes or jokes, minimizing the impact of the accusations. That’s what happened with cases like R. Kelly’s, where viral videos and fan pages overshadowed the very real and serious allegations made against him.
And for those who never acknowledge the issue, public accountability often never arrives.
As we’ve said before, the focus here is not to defend inappropriate behavior. Rather, it is a call for consistency. Justice should not depend on status, appearance, or popularity. If society continues to excuse the rich and famous while vilifying the lesser known, we create a dangerous precedent—one that suggests some people are above consequences. That should concern us all.
