The recent coverage of Chloe Bailey at the BET Awards exemplifies the absurdity of celebrity media narratives. Here we have a talented young star — fresh from promoting her latest film and rocking a chic summer outfit — being commodified by outlets like TMZ and Entertainment Tonight as just another pretty face on a red carpet. Let’s be real: this isn’t about celebrating her artistic contributions; it’s about feeding the tabloids’ insatiable hunger for superficiality.

Take a moment to consider the glaring hypocrisy in outlets like CNN and NBC when they report on Black female celebrities. These networks often boast about diversity while simultaneously reducing the narrative to mere appearances and fashion clicks, popping the champagne on disparity instead of focusing on issues that matter. Where’s the analysis of her role in the film industry, the challenges she faces, or her advocacy for Black women? It’s all gloss, no substance. Why this fixation on ‘beauty and grace’? Why not discuss her impact on culture?

The insidious spin from corporate media is evident. They want us to gobble up the latest about a celebrity’s outfit while real issues linger unaddressed. Chloe deserves better than to be defined by her summer ‘fit or the latest headline gimmickry. Instead, we should champion her artistry instead of letting mainstream media frame her story in such a narrow, objectifying lens.