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Caroline Malone November 30, 2017 Journalism & Society
“Leave Britney Alone”: Media Exploitation of Mental Illness
Introduction
The exploitation of mental illness by journalists and mass media is a contemporary issue facing journalism. Although it is not the most recent example, I think that the media’s treatment of Britney Spears from the year 2006 to now is a prime example of exploitation of mental illness.
This event had a chain-like effect, influencing the media to circulate reports and other documentations of the lives of prominent people exhibiting symptoms of an eventually verified mental illness.
Summary of Events Portrayed by the Media Regarding the Personal Life of Britney Spears
In the beginning of 2006, various reports and publications revolving around speculation and documentation of the behavior of the pop-singer Britney Spears were present in mass media.
On February 20, 2007, CBS News published an article by journalist Michelle Singer containing a chronological report of various events relating to Britney Spears, noted by popular media as a
“meltdown” (Singer, Michelle). The first significant account attributed to this “meltdown” was a photograph taken of Spears driving with her three year old son sitting on her lap. This article included quotes from an interview with a car-seat safety expert, who claimed that, “"It's more beneficial for a smaller child, who doesn't have as much control of their body as an older child, to be rear-facing” (David K. Li). On February 4, 2006, Michelle Singer wrote that child welfare Malone 2
visited the home of Spears regarding the issue of her nanny dropping her four-year old son from a height-chair (Singer, Michelle). On May 19, 2006, pictures and video of Spears stumbling while holding her infant son in Manhattan, New York were circulated (Singer, Michelle). On June 16, 2006, Spears appeared in an interview by Matt Lauer, in which she expressed that the media had been heavily criticism and misrepresenting her as emotionally unstable (“Britney Spears - Sad Dateline Interview (Full)”). Spears was later mocked for her appearance, demeanor, and sobbing during the interview (Singer, Michelle). On November 7, 2006, reports were issued stating that Spears had filed for divorce from her husband Kevin Federline (Singer, Michelle).
On November 8, 2006, New York Daily News published an article stating the details of this decision, claiming that “Family law experts say it is highly unusual for a woman with two small children, one an infant, to leave her husband” (Jo Piazza and Michelle Caruso). Singer states that on November 18, 2006, Britney Spears was seen “partying with Paris Hilton in Las Vegas”
(Singer, Michelle). Additionally, on the same date, a photo was circulated by TMZ.com of Spears smoking a cigarette at the event (Singer, Michelle). On December 6, 2006, New York Post published an article stating that the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services intended to meet with Spear after media exposures of her, quoted, “‘bizarre’ behavior”
(Singer, Michelle). The article also stated that her family is concerned. On January 5, 2007, Spears was quoted on her official website saying, "The media has criticized my every move and printed a skewed perception of who I really am as a human being. Behind every decision I have made in my public life, there always seems to be an apparent contradiction. I have come to terms with that, which is why I usually don't pay much attention to it" (Singer, Michelle). On February 13, 2007, hollywood.com published an email sent by Spears’ former assistant expressing that Malone 3
“the pop star was spiraling toward rock bottom and how friends and family wanted her to seek treatment” (Singer, Michelle). On February 16, 2007, pictures of Spears shaving her head were circulated (Singer, Michelle). On February 20, 2007, Spears was claimed to have gone to a mental facility (Singer, Michelle). On August 9, 2007, reports of Spears’ ex-husband sued for primary custody of their two sons were circulated (Singer, Michelle). A.J. Hammer, host of the CNN program “Show Biz Tonight”, discusses the issue in an episode, stating, “We have seen
Britney out partying and acting as if she doesn't have a care in the world” (Hammer, A.J.). On
December 4, 2007, child abuse allegations of Spears were publicized. On December 19, 2007,
A.J. Hammer stated that Spears’ influence was a possible cause of the premarital pregnancy of her 16 year old sister (Hammer, A.J.). On January 31, 2008, reports were issued stating that
Spears had been taken from her home to a mental facility for evaluation (Singer, Michelle). On February 2, 2008, Spears filed a restraining order against a member of the paparazzi involved in selling photographs to publishers documenting, was popular media noted as, her “downward spiral” (Singer, Michelle).
Question
Should the media present details and attempted psychological analyzes of a prominent person’s erratic behavior?
Opinion Based on Gathered Facts and Information (Newsworthiness and Principles)
The reports of Britney Spears’ circumstances and behavior were issued in accordance with the newsworthiness criteria of timeliness, since the stories were distributed by the media Malone 4
shortly after each occurrence. Another criteria that these reports adhered to was prominent people, being that Spears is iconoclastic of American pop-music and youth culture. The reports also adhere to the criteria of controversy. Various articles and reports were published regarding controversy and conflict within public discourse relating to Spears, such as reports stating that
Spears had broken her pledge to refrain from sexual intercourse until marriage and her tensions with the media and the paparazzi (“Britney Spears - Sad Dateline Interview (Full)”). The reports also adhere to the criteria of human interest, being that journalists and the media portrayed her in a state of emotional dysregulation, which could have evoked empathy in media consumers. The reports, however, do not adhere to the criteria of proximity, being that there was no emphasis on geographical significance. Furthermore, the reports did not entirely adhere to the criteria of relevance in the essence of Spears’ portrayal. The only way that this story would have been relevant to consumers is if most of the consumers were close followers of Spears’ musical career, and if the reports focused on how her circumstances had affected her productivity as an artist. In my opinion, the general material of the reports was driven by media exploitation.
Journalists also generally failed to adhere to the journalistic obligation of truth. Many sources depended on unverified information, such as rumors about the celebrity. News reports about Spears were misguided by these rumors and tabloid gossip. Journalists in the news presented passive speculation of Spears’ possible mental illnesses. Journalists and popular media also failed to adhere to the principle of verification. For example, CNN featured an interview of a doctor attempting to psychoanalyze Spears by observing a brief video of a recent performance.
The doctor concluded that, in the video, Spears appeared stiff, as if she were experiencing side effect of medication to treat Bipolar Disorder (“Doctor Drew’s Analysis of Britney Spears”). In Malone 5
actuality, for one to be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, he or she must be evaluated directly by a certified diagnostician, noting that the patient fulfills DSM criteria of the illness. This particular story, along with the issue in general, also fails to adhere to the journalistic principle of independence. During this case, journalists and news reports relied mainly on photographs taken and interviews conducted by other sources. Ultimately, the journalists failed to have a conscience during the situation. Irrelevant past incidents were referenced in media reports to exacerbate the deterioration of the celebrity’s public image during a state of mental dysfunction. Overall, the exploitation of mental illness and subsequent family tensions is unethical journalism. Journalists, specifically Matt Lauer, had shown a self-righteous attitude while presenting information about the celebrity, by referencing antagonizing statements by professionals and law enforcement. Matt
Lauer’s interview was conducted under the guise of allowing Spears to explain her situation; however, video recordings presented on television appeared to be edited in order to emphasize negative media portrayal, allegations, and rumors over her explanation.
Related Instances
Prominent People with mental illnesses, such as Shelley Duvall and Lindsay Lohan, have also been portrayed in the media through exploitation and unverified rumors. Shelley Duvall was recently interviewed on the Dr. Phil Show, when she claimed that Robin Williams is not dead.
Although Duvall became incoherent as the interview progressed, it was not shortened. The Daily News later criticized Dr. Phil by citing a tweet by Vivian Kubrick explaining that the show’s portrayal of Duvall was “cruel and exploitative”, especially since the episode explicitly stated that Duvall was struggling with a mental illness (“Stanley Kubrick’s Daughter Vivian Slams Dr Phil For ‘Shining’ star Shelley Duvall Interview”). While notable journalist Anderson Cooper Malone 6
discussed with guests on his show the mental state of Duvall, Ellen Barkin said, “seems a little nuts”( “Ellen Barkin talks about Shelley Duvall and whether she is crazy”). Additionally, Lindsay Lohan revealed that she is currently struggling with alcoholism during an interview with Oprah Winfrey, after previous articles, reports, mug shots, photos, and videos were widely circulated involving the actress (“Lindsay Lohan Tells Oprah About Her Alcohol Addiction And Cocaine Use”). For example, Joann Scheffler of the Cincinnati Examiner wrote an article, which was published on July 6, 2010, about Lohan’s drug rehabilitation and attempts to stay sober. Once again, this article does not include any concrete evidence of the celebrity’s rehabilitation. Likewise, Charisse Van Horn of News & Politics Examiner wrote an article, which was published on July 21, 2010, stating that Lindsay Lohan “allegedly” physically assaulted her girlfriend and later sent to jail (Van Horn, Charisse). During this month, these journalists could have reported on crucial events relevant to consumers, such as the aftermath of
Hurricane Alex (“Hurricane Season 2010: Hurricane Alex (Atlantic Ocean)”). The media has also exploited the behaviors and popularized gossip of prominent people with addictions, such as
Amy Winehouse and Anthony Weiner, rather than focusing on events that were more widely relevant to consumers.
Opinion on How Journalists Should Have Handled the Specific Situation/Opinion on How
Journalists Should Continue to Handle Evidence of Erratic Behaviors Attributed to Mental
Illness
Ideally, instead of focusing on the behavior and circumstances of a pop star, the media could have focused on issues that widely affected citizens at the time, which would have adhered Malone 7
to the criteria of relevance and impact, along with the principles of loyalty, honest presentation, providing a forum for public criticism and compromise. For example, journalists and popular media could have provided citizens with more information regarding the War on Iraq and the growing financial crisis.
Relating to the ethics of reporting on behaviors influenced by a mental illness, journalists should be conscientious while portraying the prominent person, avoiding rumors, and using first-hand accounts to provide citizens with accurate information on the signs and effects of mental illness. In order to be entirely ethical, this would have to be done after a public disclosure by the prominent person of an official diagnosis and further personal statements involving mental health after undergoing treatment. These statements, of course, should not be prompted by journalists and reporters. The statements would have to be guided by a voluntary decision made solely by the prominent person afflicted, as to not violate privacy and generate stigma.
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References
HereForNotLong. “Doctor Drew’s Analysis of Britney Spears”. Mar. 31 2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJQLkIldgt8.
Hammer, A.J., host. “Jamie Lynn Announces She's Pregnant - Is Lynn Spears to Blame for Her Daughters' Mistakes? - Was Britney a Bad Influence on Jamie Lynn?.” Showbiz Tonight, CNN, 19 Dec. 2007.
Hammer, A.J., host. “K-Fed Going For Full Custody of Children.” Showbiz Tonight, CNN, 14 Aug. 2007.
“Hurricane Season 2010: Hurricane Alex (Atlantic Ocean).” National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 13 July 2010. https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/archives/2010/h2010_alex.html. Accessed 29 Nov. 2017.
Jo Piazza and Michelle Caruso. “Britney Busts Out. Spears sends hubby K-Fed packing it’s divorce!.” New York Daily News.
Li, David K.. “Wrong-Way; Britney Car-Seat Blunder Imperils Kid Ginsburg-Spaly/X17.” New York Post, 16 May 2006, p. 3.
“Lindsay Lohan Tells Oprah About Her Alcohol Addiction And Cocaine Use.” Huffington Post, 19 Aug. 2013. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/18/lindsay-lohan-oprah-interview-addiction_n_ 3777367.html. Accessed 29 Nov. 2017.
Phillips, Stacy. “Britney Spears Custody -Stacy D. Phillips on Fox News 2007.” 3 Nov. 2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM2Q4f4Sfpo.
SecretPan. “Britney Spears - Sad Dateline Interview (Full).” 28 Aug. 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITBk58yOpCM&t=1s. Accessed 29 Nov. 2017.
Singer, Michelle. “Timeline: Britney's Meltdown.” CBS News, 20 Feb. 2007. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/timeline-britneys-meltdown/. Accessed 29 Nov. 2017.
“Stanley Kubrick’s Daughter Vivian Slams Dr Phil For ‘Shining’ star Shelley Duvall Interview.” New York Daily News. 17 Nov. 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8MTOjoJySg.
TheDisneyGypsy. “Ellen Barkin talks about Shelley Duvall and whether she is crazy.” 18 Mar. 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9EvTUZgOH0.
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Van Horn, Charisse. “Lindsay Lohan’s Father, Michael Lohan, accused of domestic violence day before Lindsay goes to jail.” News & Politics Examiner, 21 July 2010.