As reports of Mac Miller’s death broke this morning, family and friends were quick to pay tribute to the young artist. However, many fans and media outlets have responded to the news by attacking his ex-partner Ariana Grande online, and spinning it as a story about the singer.
Obviously, Mac Miller’s death is not Ariana Grande’s fault. Whilst details about the situation are limited, it’s been reported that Miller died from an overdose at his home. TMZ – who originally broke the story wrote that the artist “had trouble recently with substance abuse…in the wake of his breakup with Ariana Grande”. The story has now been heavily edited, but you can see the original in a screenshot below.
This statement pushes the reasoning for Miller’s substance abuse directly onto Grande, even though he has been open about his struggles with drug and alcohol abuse since before the two became a couple. In fact, here are multiple interviews from the past five years where he openly discusses his struggles with addiction and staying sober.
This is not the first time Ariana has been under fire since her heavily publicised breakup with Miller. In May, a Twitter user alluded that it was her fault Miller was arrested for a DUI. Grande responded bluntly by saying “shaming / blaming women for a man’s inability to keep his shit together is a major problem. Let’s please stop doing that.”
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/999314187384901633
Grande’s response serves as a timely reminder that we should not be holding her responsible for the actions of her ex, or even her current partner. Addiction is a serious mental illness, and whilst being a supportive friend/partner/family member to someone suffering from it is important, you can only ever do so much for the person suffering.
Supporting someone through addiction is a challenging and often horrifying task. The strain it puts on relationships is immeasurable and it can often leave you feeling unsafe in them. Grande had every right – as well as a responsibility to herself – to make sure she was looking after herself.
Why are people blaming Ariana?
For many outlets, placing blame on Grande or focussing their pieces entirely on her relationship with Miller is simply because she gets more clicks. Being one of the most famous pop stars on earth means that more people are likely to click on an article that says “Ariana Grande’s ex boyfriend Mac Miller dies” instead of just “Mac Miller dies aged 26”.
As for fans sending her hate online and blaming her, it can be looked at as grieving for an idol, or the confidence and ego that comes with online anonymity. That does not mean these actions should be excused in any way though.
Right now, Grande is having to process the news that someone she spent two years of her life with, trying to support and keep sober has passed away. Dealing with that as a 25 year old is hard enough. Having people tag you in tweets saying you’re “getting away with murder”, really doesn’t help the situation.
Manchester Bombing? Not Ariana’s fault.
Bishop Charles Ellis III groping Ariana At Aretha’s funeral? Not Ariana’s fault
Mac Miller’s unfortunate death? NOT ARIANA’S FAULT!
What do y’all have against Ariana that causes you to blame her for things that are out of her control?
— ro (@rorexpat) September 7, 2018
This death was an unfortunate tragedy caused by mental illness and a rising drug crisis going on in America right now. Blaming Ariana not only pushes the toxic idea that it is her fault because she didn’t stand by Miller, but also avoids bringing the real issues here into the conversation. These claims trivialise the career of a brilliant artist who is no longer with us, and paint the other as a villain in a situation she had no control over.
Watch: Mac Miller feat. Ariana Grande – “My Favourite Part”
