Caroline Bologna is a senior reporter covering a variety of lifestyle topics at HuffPost. Based in New York, she is a New Orleans native and graduate of Brown University.
The former member of the boy band One Direction died on Wednesday at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Although investigations of his death continue,from the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office in Buenos Aires notes that “everything indicates that the musician was alone when the fall occurred, and was going through some kind of outbreak due to substance abuse.
“As fans, we can feel very close and connected to celebrities despite not actually knowing them personally,” explained licensed marriage and family therapist. “There’s a safety in feeling connected to the image that the celebrity portrays of themselves without having to manage the complexities of an intimate, real-life relationship.”
“Someone can be a talented and charismatic, engaging musical talent, but also struggle immensely behind the scenes or have behavior that is harmful,” said“Can we see that celebrity as human? As fallible? As messy? As troubled or struggling with mental health?” she posited. “Can we hold the truth that they were talented but potentially not a gentle or kind person? It can be hard, and it can change the way some people grieve.
“During this time, people are going through significant periods of change and transformation, and the celebrities they love during this time can function as anchors in otherwise chaotic times,” she explained. “You’re going through friendship changes, first crushes and heartbreaks, finishing school and heading to university, but your favorite band can be the constant and a source of joy and happiness and belonging.
“A celebrity’s death may also prompt personal reflections on their life and sense of identity, especially if they closely identified with the celebrity during their youth,” Hagen said. “The news can feel surreal, especially if the celebrity seemed invincible or was still active in their career. Fans often struggle to process the reality of the loss.”
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