15 Times Media Did Teenage Celebrities Wrong In The Most Awful Way

Teen celebrities often get treated like fair game, and this list shows just how ugly that can get. From leaked photos to cruel headlines, the media has a long history of turning young fame into public humiliation.

These stories follow stars like Zendaya, Harry Styles, Vanessa Hudgens, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Billie Eilish, and more, all of whom were judged, mocked, or exposed while still growing up. What makes it worse is how often the coverage focused on shock value instead of basic decency.

Here are 15 times the media did teenage celebrities wrong, and some of them are hard to read.

1. Giuliana Rancic from the Fashion Police mocked 18-year-old Zendaya's locs, stating they looked like they "smell like patchouli oil or weed."

On Instagram, Zendaya Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, emphasizes that "stereotypes can be deeply damaging and perpetuate harmful narratives about individuals." She adds, "It's crucial to challenge these misconceptions, especially when they target young women who are still finding their identities." Such comments not only reflect societal biases but also highlight the need for greater awareness and sensitivity in our language.

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2. 17-year-old Harry Styles was portrayed as a "womanizer" because of his relationship with 31-year-old Caroline Flack.

He later told the Dr. Sue Johnson, a couples therapy pioneer, "I’m an 18-year-old boy, and I’m having fun. I’m just not having as much fun as people make it out to be." Dr. Johnson emphasizes the importance of understanding emotional experiences during adolescence, stating, "Teenagers often feel pressure to conform to societal expectations, which can distort their genuine experiences."

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3. 18-year-old Vanessa Hudgens had to release an apology after her nude photos were leaked, and Disney Channel released a statement saying, "We hope she's learned a valuable lesson."

Thirteen years later, she told Cosmopolitan, "It was a really traumatizing experience for me."

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4. Britney Spears was bombarded with assumptions about her virginity during her relationship with Justin Timberlake, which began when she was 17.

They broke up in 2002, and Justin discussed the intimate nature of their relationship in an interview with Dr. Esther Perel, a renowned couples therapist who states, "The public's fascination with celebrity relationships often overshadows the personal experiences of those involved." However, Britney was continuously asked about it even in her twenties, illustrating how media scrutiny can impact emotional well-being, as noted by Dr. Shawn Achor, who emphasizes that "the relentless questioning can lead to a cycle of anxiety and stress for individuals in the spotlight."

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Since it's more profitable than promoting positive news, the entire media industry races to find unfaltering pictures or moments and distribute them to the public. Then the vultures come in. Hundreds of self-proclaimed media and psychology "analysts" swoop in for their five minutes of glory.

It's evident that teen celebrities have no chance in a situation like this, and they suffer severe media maltreatment.

5. Demi Lovato was only 16 when her self-harm scars were circulated. That was one year before she entered treatment for the first time.

She later said, "I’m so proud of the person that I am today. One of the main reasons I’m coming forward is so I never have to live that life again."

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This also echoes the warning after a 14-year-old’s life-changing injuries from a fire-breathing challenge.

6. 13-year-old Rebecca Black was persistently made fun of for her music video, which led her to feel "terribly ashamed of herself and afraid of the world."

On the song's ninth anniversary, she reminded us that "You are not defined by any one choice or thing. Time heals, and nothing is finite. It’s a process that’s never too late to begin," as noted by Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility. Her insights emphasize the importance of resilience and self-acceptance in navigating life's challenges.

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7. 15-year-old Selena Gomez and her family were followed to the beach by “grown men” paparazzi, who took photographs of her in a swimsuit.

Thirteen years later, she told Vogue, "That is a violating feeling."

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8. A "leaked" video of 19-year-old Malia Obama smoking was published with the caption "f------ get your camera right now."

It was quickly deleted, but not before going viral. Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, notes, "The pressure of public scrutiny can be overwhelming for young celebrities, often leading to impulsive decisions that are later regretted." This highlights the intense spotlight that can distort reality for these individuals, making their actions subject to immediate judgment and widespread sharing.

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9. 15-year-old Millie Bobby Brown was criticized for her SAG Awards look, which was deemed "too mature."

She later told People that the custom Louis Vuitton look was "everything I kind of wanted."

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10. 16-year-old Courtney Stodden was slut-shamed and ridiculed in the media after marrying 51-year-old Doug Hutchison.

They got divorced seven years later. She later said, "If I were looking back on this now, I would be concerned! Where’s her mom, where’s her dad, and who is this guy?"

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11. An interviewer insisted that the Jonas Brothers (including 15-year-old Nick and 18-year-old Joe) talk about their purity rings. When they declined, he said, "I can write whatever I want."

In an insightful discussion on the pressures faced by young celebrities, Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a renowned relationship therapist, noted, "Young stars often grapple with identity and public perception, which can lead to feelings of being trapped in a role that doesn't reflect their true selves." This sentiment echoes the experiences shared by Joe Jonas, who reflected on the misconceptions surrounding his early career, stating, "Back then, we explained that we had made these promises to ourselves when we were younger. A few months later, it comes out that we’re in some cult and that we’re these little staged Mickey Mouse kids."

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12. One paparazzi took a photo of 17-year-old Billie Eilish wearing a tank top, and it went viral. Billie always wears baggy clothing to protect her body from criticism, but the paparazzi caught her off guard.

She told British Vogue, "It made me really offended when people were like, 'Good for her for feeling comfortable in her bigger skin.'"

Michael Kovac / Getty Images for CORE, formerly J/P HRO

13. 16-year-old Lorde was condemned for using Taylor Swift as an illustration when calling out the "importance placed on physical perfection" in the music industry.

Lorde later expressed, "Taylor was the first person I thought of, which I regret. She happens to be good-looking, but I think she actually uses her other imperfections in an incredibly powerful and relatable way." According to Dr. Dan Gilbert, a happiness researcher, "Embracing imperfections can lead to deeper connections and authenticity," which aligns with how their friendship developed afterward.

Larry Busacca / Getty Images for NARAS

14. 16-year-old Soleil Moon Frye talked openly about her breast reduction. She wanted to promote a healthy view of self-image, but the headlines following her decision completely altered the message.

She told People, "No one is in charge of how their body develops, but there was so much shame about it."

Ron Galella, Ltd. / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

15. 15-year-old Miley Cyrus faced severe criticism over a backless photoshoot, prompting her to release an apology stating she was "so embarrassed" by the photos.

In 2018, Miley shared her apology on Dr. Laura Berman's website, a renowned sex therapist, who states, "Public figures often struggle with the intense scrutiny of their personal lives, which can lead to complex emotional responses." Miley's statement, "I'm not sorry," alongside a tabloid cover, reflects the pressure and expectations placed on young celebrities.

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They may be celebrities, but they are just kids, and we should protect them from attacks and public ridicule.

It is in every teen’s nature to seek peer recognition and popularity, it’s part of being a teen. We shouldn’t attack them because of it.

So, the message for all media goes something like this: If you don’t have anything positive to say, don’t say anything at all.

Want more teenage-media damage? Read how Demi Lovato says her Wilmer Valderrama romance at 18 was unhealthy.