Reader’s Question:
Why is it often said that celebrities are “not guilty because it’s not a criminal case”? Even though there are victims like Masahiro Nakai, who was hospitalized due to acute stress reactions and PTSD, and a third-party committee recognized it as a “serious human rights violation of sexual violence,” the public seems to treat it as “it’s fine because
they haven’t been sued.” I find this strange. If the same situation occurred in a regular company, it would immediately be viewed as a problem. Why is it that only celebrities can escape accountability by claiming “settlement equals innocence”? It feels as if the media and the internet are being considerate of the perpetrators while directing an atmosphere of “personal responsibility” towards the victims. Isn’t this essentially helping the offenders?
The Mysterious Relationship Between Celebrities and Settlements
Recently, every time there’s news about a celebrity’s misconduct or trouble, we often hear the phrase “not guilty because it’s not a criminal case.” There are parts of this that just don’t sit right with me, and I’ve had discussions about it with friends. One night, while drinking at an izakaya with friends, a news story about a celebrity’s troubles aired on TV. The public was saying, “It’s fine because they settled.” My friend was furious, saying, “Settlement doesn’t equal innocence!” I agreed, but at that moment, I had an interesting realization. For example, in typical companies around us, if there’s a trouble in private life, they often face immediate consequences to protect the company’s reputation. However, for celebrities, it seems to be “let it go because they settled,” which might be influenced by the media.
The Meaning and Impact of Settlements
A settlement is indeed the result of a direct agreement between the victim and the perpetrator. However, just because a settlement has been reached does not mean the person is innocent. I think many people understand this, but the societal vibe seems to suggest “it’s fine because they haven’t been sued.” My friend joked, “Settlements are like get-out-of-jail-free cards,” but it’s a serious issue that can’t be brushed aside. I have also used the terms “settlement” and “reconciliation” in my life, and it’s genuinely complicated. For instance, I once had a minor dispute with a friend, and we both had to compromise to reconcile. However, I still wonder if that truly resolved the issue.
Societal Reactions and Their Impact
The difference in how celebrities and typical companies are treated reflects the values of society as a whole. I feel that sometimes the media reports in a way that seems considerate towards the perpetrators, while victims are often dismissed with “personal responsibility.” This feels incredibly unjust and inequitable. Looking back, I remember how comedians on TV made me laugh and helped me get through tough times during my childhood. Because of that, I strongly wish for justice to be upheld whenever they find themselves in trouble, in any form.
Share Your Thoughts!
What do you think? If you have any thoughts or experiences regarding celebrity troubles, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to share your experiences or opinions. Any comments are welcome, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
