In light of the Weinstein and Spacey allegations, I think we’re all being shown a side of Hollywood that is much darker than ever anticipated; a side that extends beyond tabloids and social media harassment, but also deeply weaves within the same narrative. Since the dawn of Hollywood, since celebrities became idolized and idealized, there’s been a turn to the sexualization of celebrities that has proven toxic and left individuals, young and old, completely vulnerable.

Any source of news and media that exploits celebrities, which discuss them on an intimate level without knowing them on an intimate level, is extremely problematic in the fight against sexual harassment in the film and television industry. Talking about celebrities in the way that channels like any number of E! talk shows and online news outlets do, enables a narrative in the public about the same topics: sex, appearance, mental illness, relationships. Things that can only be understood if you live within that individual’s shoes should only be discussed by the individual, and yet they continue to the subject of almost all pop culture news outlets. By opening everyone up to the discussion of private matters, it dehumanizes and objectifies that individual, allowing for those who think of them in such a low light to be able to attack. Sexualization is not a women’s issue or a men’s issue. Unfortunately, as we’ve certainly found in recent events with the release of "Stranger Things 2," it’s not even an adult issue.

The discussion of sexualization is so often viewed as something we only discuss when it occurs in broadcasted fashions. We think of sexualization in the media as sexualization on billboards or in commercials or in a Very Popular American Hot Wing Chain. The discussion, however, often doesn’t extend far enough, and so often celebrities who are, yes, just normal people, are subjected to an unaddressed sexualization that perpetuates the trend of not recognizing the issue. Sexualization is not always done in an attempt to flatter either, and often sexualization and objectification are done in a directly negative fashion. Any comment directed at a photo that is made towards the person in the photo that doesn’t include what they’re doing is an attack on their physical self.

This sort of discussion continues in Hollywood, despite the recent Weinstein allegations, and despite the Spacey allegations. News broadcasters that discussed the Weinstein allegations then took time to discuss Mariah Carey’s weight loss and the single lifestyle of some guy that previously starred in a home renovation show. Instead of discussing the vast accomplishments of the kids that star in "Stranger Things," a twitter thread discusses how attractive the young men on that show will be “when they’re older.” If this discussion continues, so will the allegations and the abuse. Abuse comes in all forms, and abuse of an individual’s right to privacy may begin at a low level but can snowball into the events we saw with the Weinstein allegations.