On November 16, 2023, Cassie Ventura, 37 filed a lawsuit against her ex-boyfriend Sean Combs, also known as Diddy or Love. In the suit, Cassie alleged that from the time she was 19 years old, the hip-hop mogul subjected her to a decade of abuse and rape. She also alleged that He repeatedly forced her to participate in what he coined as “freak offs” where he would hire male escorts and force her to have sex with them as he watched and filmed her.
Less than 24 hours after filing, the two settled the case outside of court. Since then, multiple other women have come forward accusing Diddy of rape, sex trafficking, and abuse.
While updates on the most recent filings remain undisclosed to the public, it prompts speculation on the true nature of the highly acclaimed rap mainstay.
With all the dirty secrets rumored to plague Hollywood one can’t necessarily count the allegations as completely shocking. As heinous as they may seem, it’s starting to feel like the alleged behaviors of Diddy are prototypical of the ones who have managed to climb up the elitist ranks and find great success and power in the narrow-gated realms of Hollywood.
For years, many of the stars that our nation props up as idols to be worshipped have been accused of having questionable character. Though they are the masterminds behind the music, movies and sports we love, they aren’t always proven to be praiseworthy once the spotlight cuts off.
From accusations of rape, murder, and even the use of dark magic to control and manipulate, celebrities–the ones we look up to, follow, and aspire to be like–have been accused of it all.
One can easily dismiss these narratives as baseless rumors or gossip designed by people who take joy in seeing the downfall of others. But, at some point, we must stop and question if there is any truth laced in the claims. And if so, why does society continue to allow morally questionable individuals to be exalted to such high levels of esteem and influence? Why do we continue to worship and idolize mere mortals who use their platform as a stage to perform corrupt, ungodly deeds?
It is essential to recognize beauty, talent and charm do not always signify good and noble character; we must learn to separate the two. It is one thing to honor someone and their God-given gifts and talents. But, we must be able to separate the person from the gift, ensuring we’re not blinded by their star power.
Further, we must not be willing to turn a blind eye to wickedness just because it is done at the hands of our favorite celebrity. When we think of situations like Cassie’s, where individuals speak out against the ill-doings of celebrities, it raises questions about why no one in the celebrity’s circle intervened. And, before being quick to judge the present but complicit, may I suggest that those of us who continue to defend and support celebrities who promote degeneracy are just as guilty.
Our support is a shield that allows them to continue in their misconduct while we cover and defend them. With the general public and their loyal entourage as their fortress, they often have no accountability or remorse.
We’ve puffed up many celebrities with a God complex where they feel like they can do no wrong.
It’s true: the rich and powerful are always going to do what the rich and powerful do. The intricate details of their lives may always be an elusive reality that we can only speculate about. But, we have to stop elevating them up on a pedestal and allowing them to be our idols at the detriment of our society.
One of the most disturbing aspects of the allegations against Diddy is recognizing the extensive influence he wields in both black and pop culture. If these allegations are indeed true, realizing that a lot of our culture has been shaped by such a reprobate mind is disconcerting, to say the least. And, choosing not to believe that we are living under the impact of that influence implies a disregard for the moral decay that has taken place within our society.
So, let’s stop fawning over those we know nothing about. There is not one artist, musician, model or athlete walking this earth who is any more special than the rest of us. We’ve made them an idol, but they all have to brush their teeth and wipe their fanny. If they don’t eat, they die and if they don’t sleep, they malfunction–just like you and I.
These demi-gods whom we’re created off the backs of our praise, has to fall. It’s time to stop worshipping our idols and judge every tree by its fruits. Ask yourself: outside of their fame, looks or talent, what makes this person worthy of your honor?
if we’re judging by this standard, I’m afraid we might find ourselves void of any remaining idols.
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