The story surrounding the alleged domestic violence between Rihanna and Chris Brown continues to make headlines as both parties and their reps release statements. The incident is disturbing and a vivid reminder of the pain domestic violence continues to bestow on society. However, the leaked photo appearing to be a beaten Rihanna and its subsequent public release by TMZ is a disgrace to our modern society.
Domestic violence certainly is not an issue that should be swept under the rug. Awareness surrounding this issue needs to be continuous and strong in order to empower those who are victims and prevent others from falling victim to its vicious cycle. Detailed stories and images can be an impactful tool. These stories and images need to come from the victims themselves, not exploited by pop culture for dollars or Internet hits. TMZ’s release of the image shows a complete disrespect towards the very celebrity it needs to survive, and although TMZ’s reputation is based on these types of actions, where is the line drawn?
Britney Spears walking barefoot in a gas station bathroom. Michael Phelps smoking marijuana at a party. These types of incidents are rather trivial. Spears being rushed to the hospital in the ambulance. This image technically occurred in a public space, not making it more acceptable, but making it more legal. TMZ’s release of a supposed beaten Rihanna was disrepectful and trivializes a very serious issue. It statisfies a curiousity of the public, but a curiousity that needed no such statisfaction. The release of this photo does not necessarily glamorize the issue of domestic violence, but its occurence being carried out by TMZ puts it in the wrong context. TMZ is a gossip mechanism, plain and simple. In this sense, TMZ does trivialize the real issue at hand, alleged domestic violence. Their intention is not to help society through prevention and awareness, it is for monetary gain. This is disgraceful and those who fell into their trap should rethink their action.
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