Category: Opinion

I’ll admit I’m an active doomscroller, but one thing that makes me stop scrolling is TikTok conspiracy theory videos.

Imagine this: It is late at night, and you are doomscrolling on TikTok when you stumble upon a conspiracy theory video. The audio is eerie. You feel a slight breeze in your room that makes you clench the blankets tighter. You scroll through the comments, agreeing with some while others send you into a spiral of thoughts.

If there is one thing I believe, it’s a conspiracy theory on TikTok. Here are my top three theories. 

NASA 

There is a theory that NASA stopped ocean research after discovering a sea creature. I fully believe mermaids are real. I don’t think they look like cartoons, but I do think some version of them exists.

Monkeys are related to humans, so who is to say there isn’t an ocean version of humans?

If you think about it, creatures once considered myths have been proven real. The krakens, for example, were once considered a myth.

They are most likely deep in the ocean, and because of evolution, they may not look like us. Turtles were once much larger and are now significantly smaller. This could be the same for mermaids.

While there is no scientific evidence of aquatic humans, the legend of mermaids dates back to the Stone Age. Paintings resembling mermaids have been found in stone. That could come from stories — or maybe sightings. 

Even without solid proof, the number of people on TikTok who believe this makes it more convincing to me. If you open the comments on almost any conspiracy video, you are bound to see at least one about mermaids. The popularity alone makes it feel possible. 

Multiverse 

The multiverse is a theory that multiple universes exist. And no, I don’t mean the Marvel version with alternate timelines — I mean the idea that there are entirely separate universes and solar systems like ours.

Our universe is huge. I don’t believe we are the only form of life out there. I’m not saying we are going to interact, but I do believe there is a possibility of another form of life out there. 

Scientists have said the theory is possible. They have not found life, but the idea of a multiverse isn’t impossible.

How can you tell me that if our solar system aligned perfectly, there isn’t another universe that also did the same?

This theory is less popular on TikTok, but when it shows up, people go all in.

The idea of other life is both creepy and fascinating — and that alone earns it a spot on my list. 

Micheal Jackson 

This one is a stretch, but I’ve seen multiple videos claiming that Michael Jackson is still alive. I have deep dived on this one, and I am a firm believer he could be alive.

I have seen some evidence of this. There is a video from the night of his death, where a figure, about the same height as Jackson, is seen walking out of the ambulance.

Celebrities have talked about wanting more privacy and living a private life — maybe Jackson felt the same way. 

He was the “King of Pop.” He knew people were out to get him because he was so successful. Jackson even received threatening letters, but I’m more focused on other artists who wanted his fame. They were out for fame, not for blood. 

Jackson has been connected to the Epstein Files, which could have pushed him to disappear. 

That’s why some people think he faked his death. There have been sightings of some people who look like him since that night. 

This theory might be my top theory because it involves someone so well-known and loved. Unlike the other ones, there is a physical piece of evidence that feels more shocking. 

People preach “love is love,” but for some people, the media crosses that line. Currently, there is a double standard in queer media that needs to be discussed.

People online have been showing prejudice when it comes to gay love stories vs. lesbian love stories. Gay stories have been celebrated, whereas lesbian stories have been receiving a lot of backlash.

“Heated Rivalry” vs. “Bridgerton“

“Heated Rivalry” rose to popularity at the end of 2025, becoming a cultural phenomenon online. Every social media site you’d go on would have posts about the show and the impact behind it. The love story of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov was celebrated and loved.

Viewers loved the slow burn between Shane and Ilya that lasted years in the narrative’s timeline. Yearning and passion were showcased with characters that went over well in the media.

What started off as a low-budget project has taken over the media through word-of-mouth. The show was averaging nine million viewers per episode. It’s people loving the story, the chemistry or the new breakout stars, and it’s taken pop culture by storm.

Season 2 has been confirmed and is estimated to be released in 2027. Fans of the show can’t wait to see what’s next for the couple.

At the beginning of the show, I didn’t get the hype, but as the season progressed, I thought the story was really sweet. I’m not a die-hard fan of the show, but I’ll be tuning into season 2.

In June 2024, the finale of “Bridgerton” season 3 was released on Netflix. When this finale was released, a debate was sparked online concerning the characters Francesca Bridgerton and Michaela Stirling. 

Like “Heated Rivalry,” “Bridgerton” was originally a book series, and each book would tell the love story of a member of the Bridgerton family. Francesca’s book was the sixth book in the series, and her love interest was a man named Michael Stirling. Netflix put a twist on the story, making Michael a female character, and many hated it.

At first, I didn’t know how I felt about the twist because it was definitely a departure from the books. But now that season 4 has developed a connection between the two characters, I’m excited for the change and the representation it’ll provide.

Discourse was created, with some saying it’s inaccurate for a period piece to have a lesbian couple, or book readers being mad about the new dynamic the characters might have.

A double standard emerges in “Bridgerton” with two of the Bridgerton siblings. Benedict Bridgerton was the lead of season 4 and had a female love interest, but in the seasons beforehand, he didn’t have a determined sexuality.

The character was seen having intimate moments with both men and women, which didn’t create as much backlash to the upcoming sapphic love story. Why weren’t people arguing that his relationships with men weren’t time period accurate, like they’re doing now?

The media has reacted so negatively to “Bridgerton” when announcing that season 5 will focus on the sapphic relationship, that some say they will skip the season in its entirety.

As a viewer of both shows, the stories that they’re telling have impact and importance to society. The “Bridgerton” season hasn’t come out yet, but I’m eager to see how things play out.

The sexualization

A reason why this double standard is happening is the sexualization of gay stories. Some women see attractive men be intimate with each other and think it’s attractive, and that’s why they like it.

“Challengers” can also be an example of this. The movie contains conventionally attractive men who have a friendship but drift apart after they begin fighting over a girl in the story. Even with them not being in a romantic relationship, women still sexualize their friendship. With the rivalry of fighting over a woman, these viewers can easily put themselves into her position to fulfill a fantasy.

Women can imagine themselves in situations with these men, but when it comes to women, they don’t want to think about it. This causes a bias for gay stories over lesbian stories.

Sexualization goes both ways. Men can think that women kissing each other is attractive in the same way women perceive gay stories. Both sides will never be able to grasp the actual story being portrayed.

The solution

As someone who isn’t queer, I know I’ll never face the same challenges the LGBTQ+ community does, but I can still respect the stories being told.

To fix this double standard, viewers need to appreciate all ends of the queer spectrum. All stories are important and deserve an equal amount of love and attention, especially since for years these stories were brushed off and ignored.

Whether it’s gay, lesbian, transgender or anything else under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, the media needs to be respected and looked at in an open-minded way.

Utah Tech University changed its name to move forward. But each spring, one of the university’s most celebrated traditions still reflects the past it tried to leave behind.

I have always enjoyed the events I have attended at Utah Tech. However, when it comes to traditional events such as D-Week, I find myself questioning whether changing the university’s name really mattered if we are still holding onto the same language tied to that history.

Traditions

Many traditions at the university are built around fun activities that bring the community together. Events like Live and Local give students a spotlight to showcase their talents to a wide audience. Trailblazer Queen is another event where participants step on stage and perform in front of a large crowd.

Those moments are inspiring. It takes courage to put yourself out there for everyone to see.

More importantly, these events bring people together. Students meet new people, the community shows up to support them, and everyone gets to experience traditions that many before us have enjoyed.

There are 45 events during D-Week, and students who attend all of them receive a special medallion at graduation. Parents’ Day also takes place during the week, giving families the opportunity to see what their students experience on campus.

These traditions are also worth the investment the university puts into them. Many of the events highlight student talents and give people opportunities they may not otherwise have to perform, compete or showcase their abilities. These events help create experiences that students remember for a long time.

Now that I’m in my third year at the university, I can say the largest turnouts I’ve seen for campus events have been during D-Week. Students and community members genuinely care about showing up and participating in something happening right here at their university and city.

But if these events are what truly matter, then why are we still calling it D-Week?

History

The name D-Week came from the university’s former name, Dixie State University. The celebration was created to honor the school’s heritage while strengthening the partnership between the university and the surrounding community.

When the university changed its name to Utah Tech, part of the agreement allowed the campus to still be referred to as the Dixie Campus. This decision was meant to preserve traditions that have existed for decades.

However, the university had significant reasons for removing the Dixie name.

Twenty-two percent of graduates surveyed in 2021 said that when applying for jobs outside of Utah, employers questioned why “Dixie” appeared on their resumes.

In the university’s recruiting region, 42% of respondents said the school’s name impacted their interest in attending. Some even believed the university was located in the American South because of the name.

For students attending the university today, the reality is that very little has changed beyond the official name. The same traditions and events still exist.

Which raises the question: If the traditions are what people care about most, why not update the name of the week itself?

Moving forward

Traditions are worth keeping, especially when they build community and highlight students’ talents. The events themselves are not the problem.

But if the university made the decision to leave the Dixie name behind, continuing to use D-Week feels like holding onto the past in a different form.

Some say the term “Dixie” remains tied to southern Utah’s pioneer heritage and values like camaraderie, grit, sacrifice and service, so it is still used for community-centered initiatives.

A simple name change would not take away the traditions people enjoy. The events, the community and the memories would still remain. If we wanted to move forward as an institution, a simple change to calling it UT-Week would suffice. It keeps the traditions there, while still incorporating the university within the name.

If the goal is to move forward and make everyone feel welcome, then the university should fully commit to that change.

At age 22, I’ve already set foot in 10 countries and spent more than a month traveling alone. I didn’t just collect passport stamps — I grew as a person. I gained perspectives that couldn’t be taught in a classroom.

Travel shouldn’t be a luxury reserved for later in life. It should be a rite of passage for every student before they graduate.

Some see travel as expensive or unattainable. But that view misses the real benefits, becoming open-minded, confident and independent. These are benefits that help young adults become better thinkers, communicators and leaders.

Research shows that travel helps shape who you are. Studies on educational tourism find that students who travel gain cognitive and emotional growth that classroom learning alone can’t offer, helping them see the world through multiple perspectives.  

Travel reshapes perspective in ways few classroom experiences can.

When you meet people whose lives look nothing like your own, you begin to question assumptions and broaden your point of view. That cultural awareness, understanding other ways of thinking and living, isn’t just “nice to have;” it’s essential in our increasingly interconnected world.

Research into study abroad and travel experiences shows that such exposure increases openness and intercultural competence in young adults, directly supporting the idea that travel fosters global awareness and empathy.

Visiting Morocco was my first experience in a predominantly Islamic country. From being invited into small shops for tea to late-night riad rooftop conversations with locals, I experienced a level of hospitality that offered a deeper understanding of Moroccan culture and community.

But the benefits of travel go beyond understanding other cultures. Traveling challenges you to think for yourself. Booking your own transportation, navigating new places and communicating even when you don’t speak the language builds confidence and problem solving skills. You learn to manage uncertainty and adapt — skills that make you more resilient in life and work.

While traveling through Europe, I had limited knowledge of both the languages and geography, which made everyday navigation a challenge. I often had to ask locals for help, look up translations on my phone and learn key phrases on the spot. As I became more immersed in the language and culture, my confidence grew, and situations that once caused anxiety became manageable.

One research review of student travel found that international experiences help with personal development and enhance confidence, self-esteem and self-efficacy — all crucial as you step into a post-college world.  

Especially for college students, the freedom to travel now is a real advantage. Once you graduate, responsibilities multiply — jobs, rent, family obligations and financial pressures make extended travel harder. Left too long, that “someday” trip can quickly become “never.”

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Budget options like hostels, cheap flights and self-guided experiences make travel accessible if you plan smart. Websites such as Google Flights and Hostelworld make it easier to find affordable flights and accommodations, allowing students to plan trips within a limited budget.

Growing up traveling with my family sparked my interest in exploring new places, and my first solo trips involved a lot of trial and error. Each mistake became a learning experience that helped me travel more confidently and efficiently over time.

Solo travel taught me how to rely on myself in ways that daily life never had. I learned how to navigate different transportation systems, how to connect with strangers who became friends, and how to embrace uncertainty without fear.

These experiences translate directly into real-life skills.

Travel also shapes your future by exposing you to new interests and career paths you may not have considered otherwise. Whether it’s creative work, international careers or simply learning how you work under pressure, those experiences can influence long term decisions.

Travel helped me realize my interest in documentary photo and video work. Some of my strongest street photography has come from time spent abroad, capturing everyday moments in unfamiliar places. Without traveling, I may not have discovered how central visual storytelling is to the career path I want to pursue.

At its core, travel teaches empathy. You begin to understand that the world is bigger than your community, your worldview is shaped by your experiences, and that people are more alike than different.

If we want a generation of students who are more open-minded, adaptable and confident, then travel before graduation isn’t just a bonus — it’s a formative experience every student deserves.

Travel while you can. Put yourself in unfamiliar situations, learn how to navigate new places on your own, and engage with cultures different from your own. The value of travel isn’t what you bring back, but what it changes about how you think and who you become.

In a state where the trad wife aesthetic is sought after, Utah also holds one of the nation’s largest gender pay gaps. This isn’t a coincidence; it is a reflection of culture. 

Nationwide, on average, women earn about 84 cents for every dollar earned by men. In Utah, this number drops to 73 cents, according to a recent Utah State University study. This is the second biggest pay gap in the country. 

The gap didn’t appear out of nowhere. Utah’s culture has long romanticized traditional gender roles. Women are encouraged to stay at home, bear children and keep up the domestic duties, an ideal coined online as the trad wife aesthetic. One of this movement’s most prominent influencers, Hannah Neeleman, better known as Ballerina Farm, is a resident of Utah. 

As the lifestyle gains traction, it may influence how some women define success, whether that be marrying right out of high school or giving up their dream occupation to fit the mold of their potential partner. 

What may look like a perfect life to some, in time, reinforces patterns that contribute to lower earning potential for women across the state. 

There tend to be many individuals who brush off this pay gap by saying it is a woman’s choice whether or not she stays at home or pursues a career. This “choice” is influenced by constantly seeing “successful” women be the ones who choose family over their job, and take on more traditional gender roles. 

“Sociologists may even argue that career preferences emerge in childhood from gender-specific socialization processes,” said Allison Elias, author of “The Rise of Corporate Feminism”.

Utah is known to be home to a vast number of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this religion, it is taught that having children is a requisite responsibility, even if this derails a profession. 

Growing up in Utah, I assumed it was normal for girls to say they wanted to be stay-at-home moms. I thought every girl married young, often to an older man who had just come home from his two-year LDS mission. As I got older, I realized that it isn’t the norm across much of the country, but in Utah, it is often reinforced by social expectations placed on women.

Thomas S. Monson, former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “It is our solemn duty, our precious privilege — even our sacred opportunity — to welcome to our homes and to our hearts the children who grace our lives.”

When the constant stereotype of “man’s” work and “woman’s” work is being pushed onto the heads of our youth, it turns a choice into a cultural expectation. Everything is heavily influenced by the media they consume, people around them and even the religion they are raised in. 

This is not to say women should refrain from having kids. It is instead to push the notion that company polices should be more mother-friendly to help women balance their career and family life. Whether this means having a required child-care system, longer pregnancy leave or better worker-protection for mothers statewide, there are many ways companies can bridge this gap. 

Utah’s gender pay gap is not just about the blatant patriarchal wages; it’s a reflection of the societal standards and expectations placed on women before they even enter the workplace. 

Until the state addresses and acknowledges that the conversation must be focused on putting forth policies that support both career and families, instead of blaming it on a woman’s choice, the gap will never close.

When an opportunity is influenced by cultural expectations, it becomes less of a choice and more of a societal standard. 

If you’ve kept up with upcoming movies, you’ve more than likely come across “The Drama,” a new dark romantic-comedy featuring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. The plot centers around an engaged couple and a party game question: What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?

Who would have thought the answer was planning a school shooting?

Audiences for the movie’s early screenings were furious and horrified at the movie’s so-called twist. Not only is there no warning anywhere online or before the movie, but the plot seems to be romanticizing the topic. People online are split on whether or not the movie should be promoted or even shown at all.

Honestly, this movie should never have been made.

From the start, the movie was never made to handle this serious a topic. Naming it “The Drama,” like we’re discussing a new round of gossip or maybe a cheating scandal, is insensitive and tone-deaf. A would-be shooter isn’t drama. It’s a crime. It’s mass murder. It’s horrific. Just because the character backed out does not make the subject any lighter.

There is no comedy in a school shooting, and the death of innocent children and teachers can leave students grappling with life-changing PTSD. In the aftermath, people are fearing for their lives and are unable to reach their loved ones or escape. No matter how light-hearted the interviews are, there has never been comedy in mass tragedy.

I don’t want to live in a school shooter’s head. Students and members of the American population have already spent decades fearing for their safety. Every day, I see people flinch at the slam of a door, the squeak of a boot or the harsh glare of another student. We enter every room and building aware that we may need to escape or fight back, but we’ll never know when.

For every victim of gun violence, there are hundreds who come away more afraid than they were the day before. Families that never feel whole. Friends who never told their friends how much they meant to them. Pets that don’t know why their best friend never came home. I don’t care to see the side of a school shooter, because the story always ends up about them.

Every time a school shooting happens, we don’t hear the victims’ names first, if at all. But the name and a photo of the shooter are plastered on every news station and article.

People speculate about why the shooter did it. They blame the parents, they blame the schools or they blame untreated mental health. What they don’t see and don’t ask is who the victims were and how they can help prevent this beyond hopes and prayers.

I make a point of not knowing the names of school shooters. I don’t know their names, and I don’t need their stories — they don’t deserve my attention. But the victims? The survivors? I will always search for their names, their interests, their dreams. Their families and friends need our support. The survivors need our voices.

If you really claim to care about the youth of America or gun violence, you shouldn’t watch this movie. Don’t talk about it. Don’t share it. Don’t do more than inform others why you won’t be watching.

Instead, spend some time learning what you can do to fight gun violence, and if you have it in your heart, learn the names of our fallen. They’re way more important than two celebrities who’ve lost their heart.

As a reporter, I have covered my fair share of protests, and for better or for worse, it seems like the political climate has done nothing but heat up over the past few years. 

Last year, in response to the political left’s disapproval of the Trump-Vance administration, organizations like No Kings emerged, holding nationwide protests across 50 states, in cities big and small. 

According to an article published by The Guardian, protests nationwide have seen a 133% increase from 2017 to 2025, jumping from 4,588 recorded protests in 2017 to 10,700 in 2025.

As organizations like No Kings play a bigger part in the political activism scene, I have questions regarding the significance that protests play in today’s society. Are people wasting their time, or are they still important?

As politics get more polarized one thing is certain, protesting and real life engagement is important. When protesting is done right, it’s more important than anything in the political climate.

Protesting’s purpose throughout history has always been used as a tool to spread awareness about a political opinion, share information and push change. As important as that is, modern-day protests are lacking communication.

The modern-day protest all looks pretty similar, where people hold signs, chant and give a lot of speeches, but with the increased polarization, less dialogue between individuals with opposing political opinions at protests is less than ideal.

Protests have become more about symbolism than a place of political discussion, and although the former is important, and should absolutely be part of protesting, the latter is becoming more important as polarization grows. 

At the No Kings protest in St. George March 28, there was a small group of conservatives walking throughout the park holding signs in support of President Donald Trump and right-leaning ideals. Instead of a discussion of politics between opposing sides, there was hate-filled banter from one side to the other.

Studies done by the Pew Research Center show that discussion between those with opposing political views is dwindling. Nearly 60% of adult-aged Americans avoid discussing politics for fear of making others uncomfortable. 

That 60% statistic feels very accurate in my experience. As I try to get more involved in political conversations, I can’t help but notice the lack of participants from other people my age.

Even if somebody I’m talking to does have the courage to talk about politics, it’s often a game of “Who can come off as the least opinionated?”

The previously mentioned studies also stated that political discussion between those of differing parties also ceased, with 77% of liberal Democrats and 53% of conservative Republicans avoiding political discussions after finding out the other party’s political affiliation was different from theirs. 

It’s easy now with social media and an increase in avoiding political conversation to sit in hatred for the other side, and now more than ever, protests need to become a place for people to converse. When we’re segregated and unable to see the other side as human, major conflicts happen.

It’s important that everybody continues to be involved in protesting and continues making their voices heard, but just as much, everybody needs to use these gatherings as an opportunity for discussion.

When we disagree, it’s more important than ever to remember each other’s humanity. 

“Cha-ching” is the sound of spending your well-earned money. Call me Mr. Krabs, but I hate spending my own money. In 2026, I plan to learn how to budget.

I have spent 19 years struggling to save money effectively while still leaving room for essentials and occasional outings.

I was never taught how to save money. I was only told not to spend it. It is never too late to learn.

Budgeting is one of the best ways to build financial literacy. As a college student in charge of your own finances, it can be difficult to decide how to spend your money.

If you are paying for college and taking out loans, you need a plan to repay that debt after graduation. You have four years to save, build credit and prepare for expenses such as an apartment.

Savings account 

The easiest way to start saving is to open a savings account. Set a goal for that account, whether it is for school or an apartment. Having a goal in mind can make it more rewarding to watch your savings grow. 

It is OK to start with a small deposit, but try to save money from each paycheck. As your income increases, contributing more can help the account grow faster.

Starting a small savings account now can make a significant difference five years later. 

My dad once told me it is best to put half of your paycheck into savings, but that is not realistic for everyone. Sometimes saving $10 is what works best. 

Set aside money each week for rent, gas, groceries and special occasions. Some people use a budget binder, but simply tracking weekly expenses can work just as well.

I give myself a weekly budget, which varies based on my paycheck, and put whatever is left into savings. I also set aside an extra $30 each week for emergencies. 

NEVER touching your savings account is the No. 1 rule. It is a savings account for a reason, and if you need to take money from it, you need to cut back on your spending. 

Managing money 

Creating a weekly budget helps, but it is also important to be mindful of where your money goes.

It is easy to spend money when you have it. I have experienced this myself, only to feel financially strained when I need it most.

For me, I like to mentally budget. I never allow my checking account to go under $100, and currently, I am trying not to let it go under $500. I want to learn how to say “no” this year and prioritize only buying what I need, and not what I want.

Another trick I use is that I act like I have less money than I really do. This mentally tricks me into thinking I can’t afford the items I want.

Being financially responsible at a young age takes effort. You learn how to say “no” and set limits. 

When shopping, ask yourself: “Do I really need this, or could I use the money for something more important? Do I need new clothes, or am I influenced by trends? Do I need to eat out, or do I already have food at home?”

I have fallen victim to these situations. When I am with friends, I sometimes make impulsive decisions, as if I will not have another opportunity to spend time with them. The truth is that your friends are in the same financial situation. 

I wish I had learned financial literacy earlier, and I still struggle. If someone had explained loans and how to use a credit card properly, I would feel more confident managing my money.

Financial literacy should be a general education requirement. College students are often described as broke and living on ramen, but that does not have to be the case. With better education on money management, students would be better prepared.

Small habits can lead to significant financial gains. Wealthy people spend carefully, which keeps them wealthy. Adopting that mindset can make a difference.

The controversy around Taylor Frankie Paul‘s video canceling “The Bachelorette” is an example of how people in the public eye need to be held responsible for their actions.

Paul is a Utah influencer who stars in the reality show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” After season 4 aired, a video of her fighting with her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, surfaced on the internet right before her season of “The Bachelorette” was supposed to air. In the video, Paul was seen throwing barstools at Mortensen.

Paul was charged with domestic violence and aggravated assault March 2023. Later that year in August, Paul entered a plea in abeyance, which required her to get evaluations, complete recommended treatments and not violate any laws above a traffic violation. Paul should’ve faced a more severe consequence than a plea in abeyance, especially after seeing the released video.

After this, Paul still continued to have a platform with “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” The controversy is not shocking since the pilot episode consists of her getting arrested. It’s just shocking the extent to which the altercation involved her daughter.

Paul always produced controversy and drama during the “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” and off the show on social media. Even before the video of the altercation surfaced online, Paul was already in hot water after season 4 premiered and viewers saw her self-destructive tendencies. The night before she left for “The Bachelorette,” Paul slept with Mortensen, potentially ruining the opportunity she was given to be the bachelorette.

Paul and Mortensen equally create a bad cycle. There’s toxicity on both sides, but they can’t stay away from each other. Of course all forms of abuse are terrible, whether it’s emotional or physical. No one deserves either, but when clear evidence comes out, people should be held accountable and punished.

Just because someone is famous doesn’t mean they should get a pass. Everyone should be held equally accountable, but that’s something the justice system is flawed with.

People in the public eye shouldn’t have leeway when it comes to laws and regulations. They should always be held accountable as much as anyone else.

There are so many people in the public eye who have committed crimes, whether it’s actors, musicians or politicians. Why do people with fame go unscathed when ordinary people have to face the consequences of their actions?

ABC needs to be careful in a situation like this because it can negatively affect its reputation. Airing Paul’s season can make it seem like they’re promoting her behavior. Yes, the company has lost money from deciding not to air the season, but in the long run, it could affect their overall image and cause them to lose viewers. ABC even faced backlash for picking Paul to be the bachelorette in September 2025.

On March 13, Paul made a post on Instagram talking about how hard it is to be in the public eye. In the post Paul mentioned how she hopes to help people by sharing her story. Someone like Paul should not be a role model for others after the track record she has had these past few years. This type of behavior shouldn’t be glorified or aimed for by others.

Paul starring in “The Bachelorette” would’ve received mixed opinions whether the season aired or not. With controversy comes consequences, and more people in the public eye should deserve the same treatment as anyone else convicted of assault.