Today, on September 7, 2018, Mac Miller passed away from an apparent drug overdose. News just dropped 15 minutes ago from the time I started writing this piece. Reports say that Mac Miller was found in his home after a reported friend called the authorities to come to his San Fernando Valley home. He was reported dead at the scene and paramedics were unable to do anything further.
Mac Miller has been struggling with substance abuse for a long time. This is partly why Ariana Grande is said to have split with the rapper because she couldn't handle his substance abuse any longer. Just back on May 17, seven days after Ariana confirmed their relationship was over, he was arrested after crashing his G-Wagon into a pole and fleeing the scene of the crime. He was charged with a DUI, for blowing well over the legal BAC level, and a hit-and-run for fleeing. He had gone on radio talk shows, claiming that being arrested for drinking and driving was a good thing for him because it was a wake-up call for him to stop abusing alcohol. This also comes after his mixtape, "Faces," which was basically an entire mixtape about his substance abuse, and even mentions early death.
See also: Mac Miller Is Dead At 26 From A Disease We Still Refuse To Acknowledge
His death is very tragic and comes as a shock to a lot of people. Wiz Khalifa has already spoken out on Twitter saying that he is "praying for Mac's family and that he rests easy". Le'Veon Bell, the Pittsburgh Steeler's running back, has also spoken out on Twitter in a tweet that says "NOOO! I do not want to believe that my brother is dead! I cannot take this anymore, life is too short... I just know now that you're in a better place now than this place we call Earth @MacMiller... I love you bro, and I will miss you."
While this is very tragic and I pray for Mac Miller's family and hope that he rests in peace, the blame game needs to stop. People absolutely need to stop blaming Ariana Grande for things that have happened to Mac Miller. Back when he had gotten arrested for his DUI and hit-and-run, fans immediately started to harass Ariana on all social media platforms, blaming her for what had happened to him! Which is absolutely ridiculous. For starters, Ariana Grande and Mac Miller are two separate beings, and she cannot control what he chose to do in the past. Now, after news of his death has been released, she has had to block people from making comments on her Instagram account for people harassing her and blaming her for his overdose. Although they are exes, do you think that she is not absolutely devastated and definitely doesn't need people to blame her for something so tragic and out of her control?!
Also, what kind of message does this send to young women and men in the world who leave their relationship because of their partner's substance abuse? Are they supposed to be afraid to leave their partners because of what may happen if they aren't there to watch over them? It is unfair for people to scrutinize and blame those who leave to find their own happiness away from harmful environments and substance abuse. Right now, people should be coming together to console those who are deeply affected by this tragedy, not coming after them.
If you, a loved one, friend, or just someone you know are struggling from substance abuse, then please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
