In a contentious interview on Good Morning America, Robin Roberts asks singer Chris Brown about the assault on Rihanna and the restraining order. Subsequently, Chris Brown allegedly became violent in his dressing room, threw an object at a window smashing it, took off his shirt and after several angry confrontations with show staff and security, left the building shirtless. Following the incident Brown sent a message on Twitter “I’m so over people bring this past s**t up!! Yet we praise Charlie sheen and other celebs for [their] bullsh**t.”
Is Chris Brown right?
The media continues to hound Chris Brown for assaulting Rihanna while Charlie Sheen still remains the golden boy even though he, too, assaulted a woman. Rolling Stone magazine in April 2011 issue refers to Charlie Sheen as being American as pie; Nancy Grace on CNN attacks NFL hall of famer, Lawrence Taylor for admitting in 2004 to often using 6 prostitutes a day but did she offer the same criticism to Charlie Sheen for the same behavior? Is racism an element in the different treatment by the media towards Brown and Sheen? Does the media give free passes to misogynists as long as they are rich and powerful; Lawrence Taylor who was sentenced to six years’ probation after pleading guilty to sexual misconduct and patronizing and underage prostitute openly and unashamedly said on FOX News with Sheppard Smith openly stated he uses prostitutes because he doesn’t want to deal with women’s feelings and emotions.
Jim Peake of MySuccessGateway.com interviews Human Behavior Expert Patrick Wanis PhD about our biases towards celebrities and violence against women, and why we give Charlie Sheen a free pass while being tough on Chris Brown. Patrick Wanis PhD also reveals that we are sold and persuaded by people who are passionate and arrogant in their conviction. Wanis also says that Chris Brown was completely wrong in his response to the interview but also questions why Robin Roberts touched Brown on his knee during the interview – a body language sign of condescension, authority or over familiarity on the part of Robin Roberts towards Chris Brown.
The media’s inconsistent treatment of celebrity misconduct reveals deeper societal biases. For another striking example of this phenomenon, read my analysis in Mel Gibson: Racism, Death Threats & Money Texts. This case study further demonstrates how fame, power, and race influence which celebrities face consequences for their actions and which receive free passes for similar or worse behavior.
Click below to listen to the interview
Patrick Wanis, PhD, is a renowned relationship and behavioral expert with over 25 years of experience. Creator of SRTT Therapy (Subconscious Rapid Transformation Technique), he specializes in resolving root causes of trauma and other conditions without reliving pain or retraumatization. He has developed various psychological assessments on emotional intelligence, relationships, self-sabotage, and authenticity, and serves diverse clients from celebrities to teens. A trusted media source, Global media including CNN, BBC, FOX News turn to Wanis for insights into relationships, sexuality, human motivation, trauma, communication, body language, and persuasion.