Bravery in the Spotlight
By: Evelyn N. Dumeer
Tags: Celebrity, John Mulaney, Addiction Recovery

Over the past 24 hours, news has been flowing in regarding comedian John Mulaney’s decision to admit himself into rehab for cocaine and alcohol addiction. Mulaney, who has openly talked about his struggles with addiction and sobriety, has received an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike; and while this reaction is absolutely the right one, it provides an interesting opportunity to examine how the reaction to Mulaney differs from how the toxicity of tabloid culture has trained society to react in these sorts of situations.

Seeking help for substance abuse is never easy. But imagine trying to seek help for substance abuse not only having to face your family and friends, but the entire world. With the stigma surrounding addiction beginning to change, I think we all hope that the reaction to Mulaney becomes the new normal and that we won’t have to face more Princes, Robin Williams, Heath Ledgers. But the truth is, that we as a society have not created a space in which it is easy for a celebrity to seek help. We hold them to an impossible standard while neglecting to lend them the support to fulfill it. In an interview with USA Today in 2016, Dr. Paul Earley of the Georgia Professionals Health Program said “Everyone is star-struck; they have problems confronting and pushing a celebrity to get proper treatment. Physicians and friends feed their substance use to be close to the celebrity aura. And then the celebrity dies.” Because even when we invade so far into a celebrity’s life to know about their drug addiction or alcoholism, we make snap judgments instead of offering resources. Because society feels entitled, but not responsible.

But the reaction to news of Mulaney’s decision sparks hope for the future. A future in which individuals, celebrity and otherwise, will receive support and love for taking care of themselves. A future where Instagram accounts won’t have to be deleted, family members stalked, and candid photos poured over for clues into an individual’s personal life. As the pandemic has continued to keep us in close proximity to our psyche, I think many have grown into the realization that self-care is a necessary part of day-to-day living; that, no matter the circumstances you find yourself in, the most important person you report to is you. That we as human beings require love, support, and understanding. And that the reflexes to judge, condemn, and assume that tabloids have been training in us have gone unchecked for far too long. That the humanity of any one of us, rich or poor, public or private, famous or not, cannot be checked at the door.

The reaction to John Mulaney’s decision to enter into rehab holds much promise, both for Mulaney’s future and the future of society as a whole. I think that we as a people are ready to enter into the next phase of our evolution; a space in time where we don’t feel the need to force others down in order to be better than they are, but rather work together to make sure that everyone has the support they need to be the best versions of themselves. The bravery that Mulaney has shown is an inspiration; an inspiration to those who are currently seeking help, those who need to seek help, and those who love them. So thank you, Mr. Mulaney. Your work has helped some of us get through the hardest moments in our lives, and it’s only right that we get to repay the favor. We are all rooting for you, and we can’t wait to see you win this fight.