The spotlight and the abyss: Why are artists so prone to falling into temptation?

VTV.vn - A series of incidents involving artists using banned substances is raising alarm bells about the temptations behind the glamour and the responsibilities of celebrities.

Long Nhật and Sơn Ngọc Minh were arrested in a drug trafficking case.

Recently, many artists and singers have been investigated or prosecuted by authorities in connection with drug-related activities, causing public concern. A number of names such as Long Nhật, Sơn Ngọc Minh, Chi Dân, Miu Lê, etc., have been arrested for organizing and using drugs in Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, and other locations.

Following a wave of artists being involved in drug-related incidents, authorities have assessed that this is no longer an isolated phenomenon but has become a serious concern for socio-cultural life. According to Lieutenant Colonel Vu Quang Trung, an officer from the Drug Crime Investigation Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Police, the fact that a segment of people working in the entertainment industry violate drug laws can have negative impacts on young people and public awareness, as they are individuals with significant influence in society. He also affirmed that all citizens are equal before the law and any violation will be strictly dealt with according to regulations.

From a state management perspective, the series of incidents that have occurred recently are seen as a warning about the decline in awareness and social responsibility among a segment of celebrities who are sacrificing their image, careers, and public trust for the sake of wrong choices.

Major Nguyen Huy Duc, from the Drug Crime Investigation Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Police, stated that authorities are not only focusing on prosecuting individuals but also expanding investigations to dismantle drug trafficking rings, supply sources, organizations, and hotspots of illegal drug use within the entertainment industry and among influential social media groups. The Ho Chi Minh City Police Investigation Agency consistently demonstrates a firm commitment to combating drug trafficking by "following the flow of drugs" to prosecute both users and offenders, in conjunction with the 45-day campaign to clean up the city and achieve the goal of a drug-free Ho Chi Minh City by 2030.

For artists, every individual action can have a powerful ripple effect in the community. Therefore, getting involved with drugs not only puts them at risk of losing their careers but also hurts their fans, negatively impacts young people, and erodes social trust.

Behind these shocking incidents lies a big question: What drives some artists to sacrifice their careers and reputations to go down the wrong path?

Meritorious Artist Hanh Thuy

Meritorious Artist Hạnh Thúy believes that most people who fall into drug addiction don't start with a desire to become addicted. According to her, many approach these substances with a subjective mindset such as "just try it," "it won't hurt once," or believing they are capable of controlling themselves. Furthermore, many see it as a sign of sophistication or trendiness without fully understanding the consequences.

The female artist stated that the most worrying thing is not when people start indulging in fleeting pleasures, but when they realize they are gradually losing their careers, relationships, and the good values ​​in life, yet are no longer able to stop. "Temporary pleasures not only take away money but can also sweep away a person's future, happiness, and self-respect," she shared.

The actress from the movie "Ghost House" said that when she expressed her view that the strongest thing isn't proving you're "good at it," but having the courage to say no or knowing when to stop, she received quite a few opposing opinions. According to her, a segment of the public still holds the prejudice that artists must inherently live a dissolute life or are easily tempted, thus inadvertently equating all those working in the arts. "Not all artists are the same. Just like any other profession, there are always those who choose to live responsibly towards themselves, their families, and the community," she stated.

Singer Dan Truong

From the perspective of someone with over 25 years in the arts, singer Dan Truong believes that artists always have moments of quiet reflection that the public rarely sees. "Artists have moments of great inspiration, but also moments of profound loneliness, to the point of wanting to rebel. In those moments, if they can't control themselves, they can easily fall into temptation and do unconventional things. Therefore, it's crucial for artists to be able to control themselves," he shared. Dan Truong believes that the recent number of artists arrested for drug use has led to a negative public perception; however, in reality, not everyone in the arts needs stimulants for creativity. The male singer stated that he always seeks out healthy activities such as watching movies, raising pets, caring for fish, or learning from positive role models to maintain mental stability. "There are so many things I need to preserve, so I don't allow myself to compromise them."

Unlike ordinary people, every action of an artist is observed by the public and can have a significant impact. Authorities have repeatedly emphasized that all citizens are equal before the law, regardless of who they are or how much influence they have. At the same time, handling drug-related cases in the entertainment industry is not only aimed at punishing the individuals who violate the law but also contributes to preventing negative impacts on society. As a public figure, reputation is not just a personal asset but is also tied to the trust of the audience.

Fame can come quickly, but maintaining a career is a much longer journey. The series of incidents that have occurred recently serve as a reminder that talent alone is never enough for an artist to have a long career. More important is the ability to control oneself in the face of the temptations of fame, money, and fleeting pleasures. As Meritorious Artist Hanh Thuy shared, sometimes the strongest thing isn't proving one's ability to enter the game, but being level-headed enough to stop before it's too late.

Source: https://vtv.vn/hao-quang-va-vuc-tham-vi-sao-nghe-si-de-sa-nga-100260525191225997.htm