They deserved better: When the Public got It wrong about Celebrities
- Loren Assunção
- May 3
- 4 min read
Hi, I'm teacher Loren, and while reading some news I was thinking about celebrities wo deserve a public apology. Sometimes It's good to have a reflection on media and misjudgment.
In the age of instant news and viral content, public figures often find themselves at the mercy of public opinion. While some criticisms are warranted, others stem from misunderstandings, societal biases, or media sensationalism. Let's explore some celebrities who, in hindsight, deserve a collective apology for the undue scrutiny and judgment they faced.
1. Monica Lewinsky: A Young Intern Vilified
In the late 1990s, Monica Lewinsky became a household name for her involvement with then-President Bill Clinton. While Clinton held the power in the relationship, Lewinsky bore the brunt of public shaming. She was mocked, ridiculed, and labeled in derogatory terms, while Clinton's political career continued. Over the years, Lewinsky has transformed her narrative, becoming an advocate against cyberbullying and public shaming. Society owes her an apology for the disproportionate blame and humiliation she endured.
2. Janet Jackson: The Super Bowl Fallout
During the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show, a wardrobe malfunction exposed Janet Jackson's breast on live television. The incident, dubbed "Nipplegate," led to a media frenzy. While Justin Timberlake, who was also involved, faced minimal backlash, Jackson's career suffered significantly. She was disinvited from events, her music was blacklisted, and she became the scapegoat for the controversy. The incident highlighted the double standards in the entertainment industry, and Jackson deserves an apology for the unequal treatment she received.
3. Sinéad O'Connor: A Voice Ahead of Its Time
In 1992, Sinéad O'Connor tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II on "Saturday Night Live" to protest child abuse in the Catholic Church. Her act was met with widespread condemnation, and her career took a hit. Years later, revelations about abuse within the Church validated her protest. O'Connor's courage to speak out deserves recognition, and society owes her an apology for the backlash she faced.
4. Brooke Shields: A Childhood Exploited
Brooke Shields began modeling at a young age and starred in films that sexualized her as a minor. Movies like "Pretty Baby" and "The Blue Lagoon" showcased her in adult situations, leading to debates about child exploitation. As an adult, Shields has spoken about the impact of her early career on her personal life. The entertainment industry and audiences owe her an apology for consuming and promoting content that objectified a child.
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5. Britney Spears: The Price of Fame
Britney Spears' rise to fame was meteoric, but so was her public downfall. The media scrutinized her every move, from her relationships to her mental health struggles. The
# FreeBritney movement shed light on the conservatorship that controlled her life for over a decade. As details emerged about the constraints she faced, public sentiment shifted, recognizing the injustices she endured. An apology is due for the years of invasive coverage and lack of empathy.
6. Amanda Bynes: From Child Star to Tabloid Target
Amanda Bynes was once a beloved child actress, but as she grew older, her personal struggles became tabloid fodder. In 2013, during a period of mental health challenges, she made controversial statements on social media. Instead of receiving support, she was mocked and ridiculed. Bynes later apologized, attributing her behavior to substance abuse and mental health issues. Society owes her compassion and an apology for turning her struggles into entertainment.
7. Stella Liebeck: The Misunderstood Lawsuit
Stella Liebeck became the butt of jokes after suing McDonald's for spilling hot coffee on herself. The media portrayed her as opportunistic, but the reality was she suffered third-degree burns requiring skin grafts. The coffee was served at dangerously high temperatures, and McDonald's had prior knowledge of similar incidents. Liebeck's case highlighted corporate negligence, yet she was vilified. An apology is warranted for the misrepresentation and lack of empathy she received.
8. Rebecca Black: A Teenager Mocked
At just 13, Rebecca Black released the song "Friday," which quickly went viral—for all the wrong reasons. The internet mocked her relentlessly, leading to bullying and emotional distress. Over time, Black embraced the experience, using it as a platform to discuss cyberbullying and resilience. The public owes her an apology for turning a teenager's creative endeavor into a global joke.
9. The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks): Punished for Dissent
In 2003, during a concert in London, lead singer Natalie Maines criticized President George W. Bush and the impending Iraq War. The backlash was swift: radio stations banned their music, and they received death threats. Years later, public opinion shifted regarding the war, vindicating their stance. The Chicks deserve an apology for the disproportionate response to their exercise of free speech.
Katy Perry: A Journey beyond Earth and criticism
In April 2025, Katy Perry joined a historic all-female crew on a Blue Origin suborbital flight, aiming to inspire women and girls in STEM fields. The mission included notable figures like Gayle King and Lauren Sánchez, and was celebrated as a milestone for female representation in space exploration.
However, not all reactions were positive. British singer Lily Allen publicly criticized the mission on her podcast, labeling it as "out of touch" amidst global economic hardships. Allen later recognized her comments were influenced by internalized biases and issued a sincere apology to Perry, acknowledging the importance of supporting women breaking barriers in male-dominated fields .
Adding to the controversy, fast-food chain Wendy's made derogatory remarks on social media about Perry's involvement in the flight, questioning her role in STEM and suggesting she be "sent back" to space. These comments were met with backlash, with critics highlighting the negative message it sent about women pursuing nontraditional roles
Don't we can do better?
These stories remind us that public figures are human - vulnerable to pain, pressure, and the consequences of being misunderstood. In many of these cases, the harm wasn't just from one mistake, but from how society responded: with judgment instead of empathy, with mockery instead of support.
As media consumers and participants in digital culture, we have a responsibility to pause before piling on, to seek context before casting blame, and to choose compassion over cruelty. Offering apologies, even retroactively, is one way we begin to right the wrongs of a media-driven culture that often forgets the real people behind the headlines.
Because sometimes, the real scandal isn’t what they did - t’s how we treated them.
See ya
Loren
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