People often obsess over celebrities and their lives, from viewing everything a celebrity does as perfect to defending a celebrity’s wrong actions. However, no matter how much a person might watch or support a celebrity, it is unlikely that a celebrity’s audience will ever fully know them. 

This is evident through sudden arrests or actions that can shatter a celebrity’s image. 

Dionysus De La Cruz, a Chemistry and Physics teacher, is interested in celebrities and the controversies they have faced as an avid consumer of true-crime content. He comments on certain celebrities who cover up and commit crimes. 

“We have people who are in situations where they’re going to do heinous actions to protect their own fame or worth, and that startles me the most,” De La Cruz said.

D4vd, a popular singer known for viral songs such as “Romantic Homicide,” was recently arrested and charged in relation to  his alleged involvement in first-degree murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Hernandez was found in the front trunk of D4vd’s Tesla, which prompted an investigation into her death.

The case was a major shock to D4vd’s previously well-held image, and after hearing the case, De La Cruz expressed his initial surprise towards it. 

“That is a big alarm for me. As a teacher, I care a lot, especially when it comes to those adults and minors,” De La Cruz said. “When I heard about this, it was like a red flag to me because that type of situation was ongoing with parents involved, and how other adults may have been present when [D4vd and Hernandez’s] dynamic was occurring.” 

Junior Emily Sowers, who is interested in true crime and celebrity drama, was also shocked by the crime. However, she focused more on the reaction D4vd’s fans had after the announcement of the situation, believing that fans hold personal bias in their reactions towards celebrities’ crimes.

“A lot of the time, fans have a cult of personality, although it’s not always the case that people who really like these actors and celebrities are unhealthily obsessed,” Sowers said. “They’re blinded by the fame and status that this person has, and then fans go on to completely defend a celebrity when they aren’t right.” 

Junior Srikrithi Bhagavatula also shares a similar opinion to Sowers, stating that she believes the media can twist perspectives to favor a certain viewpoint about celebrities and their crimes. 

“Media polarization is a very big thing and I think it’s very easy for a rumor to escalate into anything when it comes to celebrities,” Bhagavatula said. “At the same time, it’s also very easy for them to cover up major crimes, and so I don’t particularly trust what the media tells us.”

Due to allegations and crimes that celebrities commit, Bhagavatula has devoted herself to distancing herself from controversial celebrities. She uses her separation from Drake, a pop singer who was accused of predatory behavior by fans toward minors,as an example. 

“I think [Drake’s] mistakes have definitely impacted my feelings about his music, but also they’ve definitely impacted me taking apart his lyrics and thinking about the good behind them.” Bhagavatula said.

Sowers also emphasizes the importance of her own opinions towards such controversial celebrities.

“As soon as there is evidence against someone for a serious crime, I completely detach myself, and I’m kind of indifferent about it because if there’s evidence against you and you’re being proven guilty, then they’ve kind of lost my respect in a way,” Sowers said. “When I read about D4vd, I think if you don’t want consequences, don’t do bad things. If you don’t do bad things, more people will like you.” 

Celebrities also commit smaller-scale crimes as well. Justin Timberlake, another popular singer, was arrested in 2024 for a DUI charge. The body cam footage of the confrontation between Timberlake and a police officer went viral when it was first released. 

De La Cruz talks about what he thinks about celebrities committing petty crimes, and mentions how celebrities underestimate how their actions can impact their audience. 

“I think when celebrities commit more common or relatable crimes,” De La Cruz said. “But DUIs, random thievery or even evasion [can have] a larger impact. Maybe they think they can get away with these sorts of things because most people don’t see it, then people are more likely to let it slide.”

Sowers has a similar view about these crimes committed by celebrities. She emphasizes their responsibility and how people often support a celebrity without acknowledging their crimes. 

“This stuff is just irresponsibility, and it can totally be avoided,” Sowers said. “It’s a little bit disappointing, and it makes you think about who you are actually supporting.”

Illustration by Kailey Fu/Bear Witness