Many people want to become famous.
Fame may bring power, influence, and money – it may seem like a simple escape from reality.
Singer Liam Payne also experienced the negative side of fame firsthand. He tragically died a few days ago after falling from a balcony.
The former member of the hugely popular boy band One Direction has repeatedly spoken about his problems related to childhood fame.
He experienced overnight fame at just sixteen when he appeared on the X Factor talent show.
But he was not alone. Many who became famous in their childhood or teenage years have had similar problems.
They have experienced addiction, sexual violence, mental health problems, lack of privacy, and exploitation.
For years I have been speaking out about the exploitation of young celebrities and its consequences – many of us still live with PTSD.
Rebecca Ferguson, X Factor contestant
Some are advocating for better mental health protection for everyone in the entertainment industry. This could be ensured by a particular law.
“Enough of the dominance of profit over people. Let Liam’s story spark the reform we desperately need,” said Katie Waissel, a former X Factor contestant.
Putting a sixteen-year-old in such an adult world can be really harmful. I would suggest that no one should be in a group until they are eighteen. The industry should also adhere to this.
Guy Chambers, songwriter
Society, which otherwise strives to protect children in various fields, has completely forgotten about the protection of child stars.
Glossary
PTSD is post-traumatic stress disorder, a severe anxiety reaction that results from an extremely severe event or trauma.
Reform is a change in the system, the arrangement of something.
The entertainment industry is a sector that deals with the creation and distribution of entertainment content such as movies, series, and music.
Points to Consider
- Can you think of any disadvantages of fame?
- How could children and teenagers who become famous be better protected?
- How are mental health and fame related?
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The original version of this article was published on 22nd October.
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