In terms of international superstars, it’s hard to find a celebrity more popular this past year than Michael Phelps. His record setting eight Olympic gold medals was publicized across the globe, enrapturing viewers all over. After years of intense training and a series of near miracle finishes to perform possibly the greatest feat in Olympic history, Phelps deserves to relax and enjoy his life as a normal American. The Wheaties boxes, millions of dollars of advertisement money, and international fame were to be put on hold, as a national hero got some R & R to prepare for his next show of invincibility at the London 2012 Games. This is where things went downhill, as Phelps neglected his responsibilities to the public and decided to rip a bong in front of a camera at University of South Carolina.
Tabloids exploded with the news of the Olympic champion’s documented marijuana use. Phelps, a known party animal with a DUI already under his belt, was caught in the act, yet faced little serious repercussions. A few less sponsors and a short suspension from competitive swimming do not seem like a very painful punishment to the average Joe given severe penalties and potential jail time others receive for possession. Over and over, celebrities make the front pages with their drug use and promiscuous behavior, yet it seems that they thrive off the publicity and always get a second chance. Comedian/ former rapper Steve O has camera footage of him trying to get arrested and failing due to his celebrity status. Amy Winehouse refuses to go to rehab, yet seems to continually end up there. The evidence is plentiful to show that celebrities seem to get preferential treatment, and this just continues to justify the behavior in society at-large.
Phelps seemed to enjoy his extra leisure time during his suspension, making headlines once more for a more legal, yet arguably less safe activity. A stripper came out with a p
ublic statement stating that Phelps participated in a threesome with her and a friend, and that he also continued meeting up with her over the next few months to enjoy her company. She finally cut ties when she found out he was sleeping around with a number of other women, once again demonstrating Phelps’ lack of integrity. This double standard of morality mirrors that of legal issues, and it seems like it will not change any time soon.
Perhaps it is unfair to expect celebrities to act a certain way, though. Celebrity culture has a very distinct niche in society, providing entertainment and escape from the hassles of every day life. People like Michael Phelps rise to fame (usually not due to their superior intelligence) and are expected to act in a certain way because of their new status. After all, Michael Phelps is still just a young man who likes to party. A lot.
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