[~Kizwiz~]

After reading the Ashley Cole has cheated on his wife Cheryl it got me thinking whether we as a society enjoy the antics of celebrities?

Are we secretly pleased when they screw up?

Take for example, Britney Spears, what has happened to her over the last year is horrid, you wouldnt wish it on your worst enemies but yet we follow the latest gossip to see whats happened next. Do we gloat when everything goes wrong?

Another example is Amy Winehouse. Yet we watch with bated breath to see what she has been up to. Her downfall has been very public and very humiliating but some people following it as if it was a soap opera.

Is this what society has come to?

[Shaun]

I think people enjoy the whole gossipping aspect of it. They see celebrities falling at the hands of their own fame, and, being the absolutely ridiculous industry it is, starts a big vicious circle, really.

People should learn to discuss better things than the downfall of our celebrities to be honest. That, and the celebs themselves should get their acts together. I don't care how many fans say "oh no, Britney/Amy's being harassed by the paparazzi! It's their fault!" because it isn't. They don't make them take drugs, act irresponsibly or do crazy things, they follow them BECAUSE they do these things.

[~Kizwiz~]

I do have to say that I used to love nothing better than to read heat etc and follow the latest entertainment gossip but it just got to a stage where they're damned if they do and they're damned if they dont.

It doesn't make sense anymore.

[Tom]

I think people like it because it makes them appear better

[Sunny_01]

I dont like to see anyone's life fall to pieces in a public way.

I know they put themselves in the public eye, I accept that many court the press but do they truly deserve to have every inch of their personal lives picked over by vulture paparrazi? Why because you choose to be famous for singing, acting whatever does that mean you are no longer entitled to privacy. At some point when do we say enough is enough.

I hate to see in particular the public demise of Britney Spears and how the papers make every little thing seem big. That girl needs help, she needs to be out of the public eye but doesnt have a clue anymore how to function away from them. Which self respecting person would want to hunt a very obviously disturbed young woman in the name of reporting.

[ThisIsMarie]

Hate it!
Media etc that do love are *****ed up! As are a lot of things around now. Seriously can't believe some of the stuff that happens.

[Ross]

Sometimes, but then it gets OTT.

[Ruth]

I've stopped reading the trash mags. Our press is in a sad sad state.

Look at all the vultures trying to make money out of Heath Ledger's death. Makes me sick. He doesn't deserve it - he was always classy, reserved and dignified.

I mean, half the time, these celebrities court the press, and they can't have it both ways. Britney for example loved the press when things were going well for her - it's only to be expected that they will be just as interested when things are going badly.

But when it's someone like Heath Ledger, who never courted the press, and always kept a low profile, I think it's disgraceful that people are rushing to print expose stories on him. It would be far more classy if they printed an article about his achievements and talent.

Basically, the celebrities should get what they give, and to a large extent they do. For example, Johnny Depp's daughter was in hospital in London last year, and the press largely left him alone. This is fair, because he does not use the press for his own ends. Compare this with the behaviour of say, Jordan, who is always giving interviews saying how hard life is with Harvey, how violent Harvey is, how much Harvey weighs. She cannot complain when the press print stories about her that she would not want printed.

However, I am at a loss to understand why anyone would care what is currently going on with Britney and Kevin. I don't know why anyone is interested in what Amy Winehouse shoves up her nose. I quite like some of her music, but that's as far as my interest extends. There's more important things in the world.

I mean, I once saw an article in Heat - a 3 page article no less - about Nicole Kidman using a portaloo on a movie set. I mean, who the hell cares?! The same magazine ran a 3 page article about Chris Moyles buying some beer from a supermarket. I mean, SO WHAT???? Sorry for shouting, but I am off on a rant now!

[GiRTh]

I enjoy it when its someone who courts the press. I thought 'Cashley' Cole was gay anyway. Are they sure he cheated on Cheryl with a woman?

The press are what they are. The celebs need them when they have something to plug so it's not wonder they sometimes go too far. As Ruth said (Great to see her back BTW) the celebs get the respect if they give it.

[DamonJ]

I genuinely do not like to see celebrities crumble. Under the money, they are ordinary people with feelings and emotions. They are normal people who need treatment and support in their life, not being chased around by photographers. For example, I am so glad Britney Spears has been placed on a 14 day additional hold so she gets the treatment she needs, and where paparazzis can not harass her.