We live in an age where we have complete access to celebrities through social media. It’s wonderful to grow up watching a show or having obsessed over your favorite movie and then find them on Instagram, Snap chat, or Twitter. Suddenly you learn so much more about them than you would have been able to do 10 years ago. I’m pretty shameless when it comes to celebrity gossip. I enjoy it very much. Sorry to everyone who thought I wasn’t that shallow. However, I do enjoy taking advantage of the opportunity to learn what their beliefs are, as of lately, learning where they stand politically, and why they feel the way they do about such things.

I’m very thankful to live in a country where we have the freedom to say whatever we want. I’m also thankful that through confidence and self-esteem, I have learned not to worry about my appearance on the outside. Those that know me personally know that, I rarely worry about it. But for celebrities that are in the spotlight, somewhere down the line, it became okay to point out when they don’t look 100% put together, and somehow it became alright to call them names and threaten them when they don’t agree with one’s personal political views.

I’ve always thought that Sophia Bush is one of the most beautiful people on the planet. I was a little late to the One Tree Hill party but after binge watching a majority of the seasons, my love for her only grew as she moved on to Chicago PD. She is a celebrity that is no stranger to negativity. The last few weeks especially, she has been very vocal about the things that people say in response to her posts. It amazes me, but someone has gone as far to make rape threats to her. Whether that is because they disagreed with her politically, or just didn’t like her, the bottom line is that it is NOT okay. Bush has every right to express herself and does not owe anyone anything when it comes to her opinion.

Another celebrity that I like to follow closely is Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe. I’ve known from watching her season on The Bachelorette that she is probably not someone that I have a lot in common with, but the girl is entertaining. She is constantly coming up with creative Snap chat Stories and is shameless about sharing her life. I have a lot of respect for someone like Kaitlyn who is just who she is and isn’t going to apologize for any of it. Her sense of humor and authenticity is one that the world could use a little more of. However, people have taken it upon themselves to tell her things that are not true about herself in order to tear her down, even when she is speaking against domestic abuse! Quite ironic, don't you think?

For a long time, Kelly Clarkson has been in the spotlight and put up with a lot of different negative comments from fans. The girl is a powerhouse. I have so much respect for her vocally and for her overall confidence. I saw her on an episode of Ellen where she spoke to this very thing and just exuded self-esteem that is unmatched. She’s dealt with shaming and a number of rude comments over the years that have bashed her weight and were plainly just rude. But no matter what, she continues to push back and relentlessly enjoy life her own way. Good for her!

Short of using this platform for subtle ranting, I just want to say that it is possible to follow a celebrity, disagree, and just look the other way. I’m a conservative Christian for heaven’s sake. I support Sophia Bush’s right to say whatever she wants and express herself in any way that she feels because that is her right! I support Kaitlyn Bristowe’s right to live her life the way she feels, to have her own opinions, and to be who she is! It is no one's business to judge her. And I support Kelly Clarkson no matter what size she is because she is good at what she does and my support for her is not contingent on her weight.

Celebrities are real people with real problems and real opinions. It may be easy to have a belligerent opinion from behind a computer screen, but simply because they are the one's on the screen, gives you no right to have such an opinion. As the old saying goes, "if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all." What a concept for our celebrity obsessed social media age.

To all of the negative things that celebrities put up with from people, I’m so sorry. As a fan, I hope you continue to push back with positivity. I hope you continue to use your platform for your passion. I hope you continue to spread kindness and love in spite of the disrespect and hate that is being shown to you. I, for whatever it is worth, love watching you from afar and respect you no matter where you stand politically or whatever image you currently uphold. KEEP BEING YOU. Thank you for being strong enough to stand up for yourselves and for speaking to a problem that is more and more apparent within social media.

As Ellen says, “Be kind to one another.”