Clive Davis is getting one final send-off, but let’s be real: this isn’t just a heartfelt goodbye—it’s a PR spectacle. The irony of it being livestreamed by TMZ, a network that thrives on the sensational, underscores the utterly manufactured nature of celebrity mourning in today’s media landscape. Mainstream outlets, from CNN to NBC, are quick to coat these events with a veneer of seriousness, yet we know it’s all about clicks and ratings.

Yes, Davis is a music icon—nobody’s disputing that—but why are we letting networks milk this for all it’s worth? They paint a portrait of collective grief while they relish in the chaos and drama that such events typically generate. You can practically hear the cash registers chime as they report on every emotional moment while pretending it’s just about honoring the man.

What’s ignored is the commercialism behind these tributes. Davis had a storied career, influencing many, but his life is not just a feel-good documentary waiting to happen. Networks like CBS want you to wear your tears on your sleeve, but let’s remind ourselves that this is still a business. They control the narrative, leading you to believe this is all noble and somber when it serves their interests more than anyone else’s.

In an age where every farewell is turned into broadcast grist, we should question who benefits from this spectacle more: the beloved artist or the corporate media machine?