Mary Rivera, who played Ned Leeds’ Filipino grandmother in “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” has passed away after suffering a stroke. While her family grieves, corporate media like TMZ rush to sensationalize tragedy instead of providing depth or context. It’s a classic case of clickbait over compassion. They highlight her role in a blockbuster but fail to stress the human impact of her loss—how many lives she touched beyond the screen.

What’s particularly galling is how outlets like CNN or NBC might offer platitudes wrapped in a saccharine bow, inviting a tepid discussion about diversity in Hollywood, all while ignoring the systemic issues that can affect artists of marginalized backgrounds. They’ll hold up Mary Rivera as a token—for a second before moving on to the next news cycle. In contrast, responsible reporting would take a moment to analyze the industry’s treatment of artists like her, recognizing the barriers they face, especially in a culture still rife with exploitation.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about mourning a talented individual; it’s about calling out a media system that prioritizes profit over people. The sector is more interested in spinning narratives than actually honoring the lives they report on. We owe it to Rivera and others to demand better than sensationalism masquerading as tribute.