Infamous Internet Celebrities
Celebrities who don’t behave find themselves in even more trouble than they did in the old days. Prior to the Internet, you found out about scandals and “dodgy goings on” via the newspaper and television. However, after a few weeks or months the fuss would die down and be forgotten about.
These days though, if you are famous and don’t behave the Internet records the event for posterity; sometimes for years! Misdeeds and scandals can be looked up at will from 10 years ago, and some things are never forgotten! The Internet is like a police database, but the difference being that the information is stored in text, images, video and audio. The major change in how we record events has been the Internet and how it can ruin your reputation for years! Being “famous” can quickly translate into “infamous” once you are recorded for posterity on the net for bad or unusual behaviour.
In this review, we look at a few celebrities who have become infamous from an Internet perspective, regardless of what the printed media and TV said at the time.
Britney Spears
Britney, the famed queen of pop has been ever present in the news in more ways than one in the last few years. This did not go unnoticed on the Internet, in addition to TV and in the news generally. Some people cannot handle the fame and fortune and forget that this comes with responsibility. In some cases celebrities like Britney have been out of the news for while, only to eventually reappear for something they have done, or said which does not conform to the mantel of “celebrity”.
The most recent event concerned Britney driving without a valid driving licence, but this was not the only problem for her; it was only detected because of the fact that she hit a parked car and left the scene. In recent years Britney has been dogged with stories of drugs, losing custody of her children and general misbehaving. It is a shame for such a talented pop star, that her rebellious nature has made her infamous, rather than famous in the last few years. There are hundreds of sites documenting every bad move she has made.
Amy Winehouse
Like Britney, Britain’s answer to the music world, Amy Winehouse has had her fair share of problems in the last few years. She has been in and out of rehab and has been seen on television “lashing out” on occasions but is still hugely popular both in the UK and the US.
Drug and alcohol addiction, combined with self-destructive behaviour have become regular features in the news and on the Internet, since 2007. In addition she and her spouse have had legal problems, which have led to several tour cancellations. Her father has been on television commenting on Amy’s irregular heartbeat. Her general health worries are compounded as her publicist reported recently (June 2008) that she has developed early signs of emphysema. These kinds of problems have been brought on by smoking cigarettes and smoking crack cocaine. Amy has many fans and her huge following would want to see her recover the situation, and get out of “infamous” mode.
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright
The Reverend Jeremiah Wright is not as well known as a celebrity but is well known for his recent “rants” in the American elections. He is Barack Obama's former pastor and his “claim to fame” is to basically disagree with every decision and policy that Barack Obama is likely to make as a president. He has no political bias, and McCain, Obama’s rival is no less likely to be verbally attacked on the road to a potential presidency. His views contravene the message of both presidential candidates, but particularly so in Barack Obama’s case.
You may or may not agree with his views but he has certainly stirred up controversy. If you search for videos on his speeches on You Tube you will see for yourself. He is certainly interesting to listen to and can stir up emotions on a wide level. He is well known on the Internet and has achieved “infamous” status.
O.J. Simpson
The famous American Football player, finally ended up in prison, after several attempts in the last few years to jail him for various misdemeanours. Simpson was acquitted of the murder of Nicole Simpson and Goldman after a lengthy, highly publicized criminal trial. In 1997, a civil court, together with a jury awarded a $33.5 million judgment for the wrongful deaths. Apparently, very little of this debt has been paid.
To add to his woes, on 3rd October 2008 O.J. Simpson was found guilty of kidnapping, conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit a crime. He awaits sentencing on December 5th 2008, while being detained in the process.
