As much as we care about the works of public figures, we care about their private lives. Owing to the development of technology and media, it has become easier for us to observe celebrities through photos and videos. Many famous people even voluntarily showcase their private lives to the public to engage with them and gain popularity. However, it is common for public figures to be held to a higher moral standard than the general public. Although some people intentionally set out to tear down public figures who are genuinely apologetic for their wrongdoings, celebrities should still be held to a higher moral standard than the average person due to the nature of their jobs.

Public figures are role models. Many people look up to famous, successful people and are influenced by what they say, wear and do. Many young athletes train with the wish to be like their favorite professional player and are motivated by their stories of dedication and perseverance. Many people pay close attention to the biographies of successful entrepreneurs and politicians in hopes of becoming just as successful. As a result, public figures’ actions and words have a far-reaching impact on the public. This influence is especially so in the case of people who do not already have an established set of moral values, as they are less likely to be critical of a celebrity’s inappropriate and criminal behavior, and this behavior then becomes at risk of being normalized.

  For example, Chris Brown was arrested for assault in 2009 for violence against his then-girlfriend Rihanna. Although such an incident had little impact on his ability to make music, the public was enraged by his violent conduct, which severely impacted his career as well. Many people are struggling with domestic violence, and if Brown is not criticized or punished for his behavior, it can encourage a culture in which domestic violence is not taken seriously. As much as Brown has the right to revive his career after serving his sentence and paying the price for what he did, the public also has the right to refuse to consume his content as a means of objecting to his misconduct.

We should hold public figures to higher moral standards because they are profiting off the public. For careers that accompany publicity, it is important to secure the likes of the general public to have a successful career. In the case of celebrities, they must maintain a good reputation amongst the public and with their coworkers to continue getting cast. Politicians must keep their popularity to secure enough support to pursue their legislation and policies successfully. Athletes also must maintain their popularity to get recruited, gain sponsorships and develop a fanbase. In this context, if someone’s actions impact the public, people have all the right not to endorse them. For instance, Lindsay Lohan is infamous for her past DUIs, reckless driving and public feuds with coworkers and staff. Although it is accepted that her circumstances contributed to her state of mind at the time and she was oftentimes over-criticized, the public still has the right to refuse to consume her work for the things she did. Reckless driving and DUIs can put many people in danger, and mistreating staff can hinder many people’s careers. Public figures gain wealth and prosperity from the people who support them. At the end of the day, everyone is created equal, and popularity does not make them better than everyone else.

Although many celebrities do a good job at separating work and private life, some struggle to do so. This can range from having a bad attitude because of personal struggles and extend to organizational nepotism. For example, Argentine soccer player Mauro Icardi hired his wife Wanda Nara as his sports agent. While Icardi was playing for Inter Milan in Italy, his wife would create continuous disputes by rewriting their contract for a better term. Nara would also make inappropriate social media and public comments about her husband’s teammates while Icardi remained silent. At first, Inter Milan endured because they couldn’t find a replacement. However, as the new manager, Antonio Conte, made an open statement that Icardi will not be included in the season’s plan whatsoever, he was instantly removed from the squad despite being at his prime. Although some might believe that a player has the right to demand better contracts for the work they do and that only their capabilities as an athlete must be considered, such behavior should be criticized. Not only is it unprofessional, but merging one’s private life with work can be an inconvenience to all stakeholders. The board had to suffer with the media coverage, having their season plan ruined and making a replacement in a short period of time—the team was financially unstable and performing poorly back then. For teammates, having a coworker who does not behave professionally can lead to lack of discipline and frustration. Fans have to suffer from the team’s poor performance, gossip and feelings of betrayal. Professional conduct is required for all types of professions, and we must not get in other people’s way regardless of skill. By establishing rigid standards for public figures and their professionalism, we can remind society about the importance of abiding by the norms.

Celebrities are not better than everyone else and they should be held to the same standards that the general public is expected to follow. Although it is inappropriate for public figures to be subject to irrationally harsh criticism, they should be aware of their impact in society and be held accountable for their actions.