Ria Beri ‘27
EE Staff Writer
As we see a rise in the celebrity crime rate, it leads us to ponder the impact that fame has on one’s consequences. America is established around the ideals of democracy, equality, and justice, yet there remains an indisputable gap between the common and the privileged. Although they may commit the same actions and crimes, celebrities and aristocrats often get off with fewer consequences. While this is not entirely ethical, it is a phenomena that has been occurring for centuries.
Looking into examples, it certainly stands out that celebrities are able to get away with crimes as serious as violence. In May of 2020, Olga Sharypova accused tennis star Alexander Zverev of abusing her during their relationship. Sharypova reports that he choked and punched her, pushing her so far as to attempt suicide. While Zverev was fined $478K, showing that his guilt was known, he faced neither suspension from tour nor prison time.
Another, less violent, allegation lies in a recent lawsuit filed against singer Mariah Carey. Carey’s hit song “All I Want for Christmas Is You” was supposedly copyrighted from a song under the same name that was performed by Vince Vance in 1989. Vance filed a lawsuit for copyright infringement last year but it only became effective this November as he was able to successfully sue Carey for $20 million. Although the singer paid her share, she has made over $60 million from the song and continues to make an additional $3 million each year using his work.
Both of these examples clearly illustrate the heights of crimes that celebrities are able to get away with. Popular figures are able to use their fame as a shield from the consequences of their actions far too often. Many believe that one should not be able to escape from crime, no matter how successful, wealthy, or famous. On the other hand, it can also be argued that judicial exceptions should be made for celebrities because of the importance they hold to the people. Some believe that certain celebrities are so important that society would struggle to function in their absence, leaving us to wonder if celebrities are above the law. Should celebrities’ statuses enable them to get away with certain actions or should they be held accountable like everyone else?
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