Infidelity in pop culture has been an issue for as long as people have been famous. In recent years, the topic has come up more frequently. The standards for men have changed, and with it, the conversation around infidelity has grown. In the past, infidelity was something to be kept quiet and eventually forgotten, largely because of the stigma around divorce. Now, divorce is more common, and many infidelities in celebrity culture have caused massive controversies and scandals. There are differing opinions around how much negative attention should be directed towards the cheater, or if the situation needs attention at all. However, just like in other instances of infidelity, it is the cheater’s partner that has the final decision on whether or not they are given another chance. Is the public’s intervention only worsening a situation already difficult for the other party, or is this just the price you pay for wealth and fame? Instances of infidelity often fall into a gray area, and there is no clear answer to the question.

Celebrities are people too, no matter how well known they are. This entitles them to privacy in their personal matters, including what happens between spouses or in other relationships. In the case of Adam Levine and Sumner Stroh, Stroh made the choice to go public with their relationship through her announcement on TikTok. This was an intentional decision to shed light on the events of their relationship, but many situations of infidelity are leaked to the media without the consent of the people involved. This violates their right to privacy, and in most cases, just makes the situation worse. Spouses aren’t given the space they need to work through their issues, and this can lead to the end of the relationship as well as emotional and mental damage. Celebrities and their relationships should have the option of privacy; it is a human right and whether they deserve it or not, celebrities are human beings with their own thoughts and feelings. 

Fame and wealth comes with consequences. In the modern day, celebrities are placed on a pedestal above the rest of the world. They are often viewed as having more worth because of their popularity. Their fame and celebrity-status gives them influence and power over societal trends and pop culture as a whole, and the only way to keep a balance in the class structure is for celebrities to make sacrifices that ensure their power is not unlimited. No one person should be able to influence millions of people’s thoughts and behaviors while keeping their private life a secret, adding to the illusion of their perfection and transcendent stature. In relation to the cases of Adam Levine and Ned Fulmer, celebrities cheat just like thousands of other Americans, and they should not be given more leniency because of their fame. When you achieve the status of a celebrity you are giving up your old life, and with it your right to privacy.

Infidelity in pop culture is a polarizing issue. Not only does it hurt the people involved, but it also sets a negative example for others. Additionally, celebrities committing the act often gain even more attention from negative publicity, as there is no such thing as bad publicity. This brings up the question of whether or not celebrities should have the right to privacy when infidelity is involved. On one hand, celebrities are people with their own lives, as well as their own reasons for doing what they do. They have thoughts, feelings, and people they care about. On the other hand, with fame celebrities must give up certain privileges that an average person typically has the right to, including privacy. Infidelity plays a huge role not only in the lives of those directly involved, but also in the lives of people who see it and are influenced by it.