Domestic Violence and Celebrities

Celebrities have a powerful influence on our culture. We admire famous actors, athletes, musicians and other public figures. What does it mean, then, when they fail as role models, when they batter their partners, and we as a culture continue to admire them and pay to see them perform? What does it mean when a company continues to use a known batterer as its celebrity spokesperson? When a violent actor is written about and cast as a heartthrob? When a singer beats his girlfriend, and his next love song reaches number one on the charts?

When we continue to view our celebrities as sexy or heroic even after they are known to be violent to their partners, we condone their behavior and perpetuate domestic violence by helping to create an environment in which violence is viewed as acceptable. Celebrities, and the media that publicize and employ them, must be held accountable. It is up to us, as consumers of entertainment, to make sure that this happens.

Domestic violence exists because we let it exist.

It can be stopped, and we can all work towards that goal by rejecting violence wherever we see it... in our friends, our co-workers, our families, and in ourselves. And we should reject it when we see it in public figures, as well.

Find out who's been speaking up and using their voices to make a difference... and who's been acting out and should be held responsible.

Hall of Fame

Hall of Shame

Read an editorial commentary by FVPF Executive Director Esta Soler on celebrities and domestic violence.