I know many people fantasize or love the idea about becoming a celebrity one day. While the lifestyle of a celebrity might appear glamorous and luxurious, there is a dark side to the fame that many people are not aware about. 

One of the many negatives is the lack of privacy celebrities have. They are constantly in the public eye. Their lives are documented for everyone to see and know. They also have to deal with the harassment of paparazzi, which is the biggest issue in the lack of privacy celebrities have. 

An example with the lack of privacy celebrities have to deal with, is a situation revolving around Micheal Jackson’s daughter. In 2017 when Paris Jackson returned to L.A. from Paris, she was constantly pestered by paparazzi. She said, “Please Stop,” but they continued to pester and follow her. She even tried to run away from them. 

Another example revolves around the tragic death of Princess Diana. In August, 1997 in Paris, Diana and her lover Dodi Fayed were killed in a car crash by a drunken driver who was travelling at high speed to flee from a mob of paparazzi chasing them. 

Celebrities also have to deal with high expectations and intense criticism. Everyone expects them to have a perfect image, setting them with unrealistic beauty standards. The pressure they have to look a certain way adds insecurities to celebrities that they probably did not have before. Even though the paparazzi are not wholly responsible they still played a role in the accident. 

“Frankly, I’ve never considered my own figure so exceptional; until quite recently, I seldom gave it any thought at all. My biggest single concern used to be getting enough to eat,” said Marilyn Monroe.

Many celebrities who have reached fame, have also struggled with their mental health because of the stress that comes with fame. Many develop drug addictions to help cope with the stress. Mathew Perry, a famous actor, struggled with a severe addiction to opioids and alcohol during his career in the famous television show “Friends.” Tragically, he died from a drug overdose to the opioid called ketamine in 2023. 

The life of a celebrity is dangerous. Many of you have probably seen many celebrities that have bodyguards or some type of security. They need security against physical attacks by fans, assassinations, abductions and even death threats. 

Overall, being a celebrity is not as perfect as many people think. Many people  need to understand and put in consideration that when looking at celebrities, that a cost is required.