THE VILE ACCEPTANCE OF FAMOUS MEN PREYING ON UNDERAGE GIRLS

Woody Allen, Jerry Seinfeld, and Russell Simmons may seem like an unlikely trio to compare, but beneath the surface, there are intriguing similarities that tie these three entertainment figures together.

All three are masters of their craft in the entertainment industry. Woody Allen is celebrated for his prolific career as a filmmaker, known for his witty dialogue, neurotic characters, and unique storytelling style. Jerry Seinfeld revolutionized television comedy with his eponymous sitcom, which showcased his observational humor and knack for finding humor in the mundane aspects of everyday life. Russell Simmons, meanwhile, made a significant impact on the music industry as a co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, helping to popularize hip-hop culture, launch the careers of numerous artists and a expanded the vision of American culture.

Despite working in different mediums, all three share a similar comedic sensibility rooted in wit, irony, and satire. Through Allen's films, Seinfeld's stand-up comedy, or Simmons' promotion of urban culture, they each offer insightful commentary on the human condition. Another commonality among these three figures is their New York City roots. Woody Allen's films often serve as love letters to the city, capturing its energy, diversity, and idiosyncrasies. Jerry Seinfeld's sitcom famously depicted the quintessential New York experience, showcasing the city's distinctive neighborhoods and personalities. Russell Simmons, born and raised in Queens, played a pivotal role in shaping the city's hip-hop scene, which has had a profound influence on global culture.

Woody Allen, Jerry Seinfeld, and Russell Simmons, despite their distinct realms of entertainment, share a common thread of controversy and criticism that has punctuated their careers - controversies that have tested their legacies and prompted critical reflection on the intersection of fame, power, and morality in the entertainment industry.

In Woody Allen's case, allegations of sexual abuse by his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow and marriage to the adopted daughter he raised, 35 years to his junior, have appropriately dogged him for years, prompting widespread condemnation and calls to boycott his films. These accusations have overshadowed his reputation as a filmmaker and sparked debates about separating art from the artist.

Jerry Seinfeld's involvement with a 17-year-old girl when he was a 39-year-old man sparked “controversy” but raised little criticism about the propriety of the relationship. The conversation swirling the comedian was focused more on his one million dollar per episode salary than him actively pursuing and preying on a teenage girl for adult companionship. The relationship coverage exists in a time capsule with no real regard for the indiscretion.

It was the early 90’s and the same men with an affinity for Woody Allen’s preference for young girls in both art and life would also heap copious amounts of praise yet ignore the proclivities of a middle aged man engaged in an a adult relationship with a minor. This time the “every day guy” character had evolved. He was not quite the coolest guy in the room but still trading on his words.

The line between the character and the man are almost indistinguishable, the eponymous series made a neurotic, complainer with a 31” waist and Nike Huarache’s, who dated and cast away 73 different women because they didn’t meet his overly critical sense of entitlement the “guy’s, guy to whom everyone could relate and appealing enough for women to consider for a date.

Seinfeld met the 17 year-old high school student in Manhattan’s Central Park in 1993. It’s well documented Seinfeld regularly collected the teenager from both her parent’s apartment and high school campus in a limousine. In a 1993 interview with Playboy magazine interview, Seinfeld tells Playboy, “… My mother was thrilled because Shoshanna is Jewish and Syrian. My mother's Syrian. And all my aunts and uncles on the Syrian side, this is what they expect. They figure IS, 16 is the right age [for a woman] for me, because that's the way they do it in Syria.So they're going, "Fifteen? She's a little over the hill. but if you like her....”

Russell Simmons met, dated then married his now ex-wife, Kimora Lee (Simmons) when he was 35 years-old man and she was a 17 year-old girl. Simmons has faced allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple women, tarnishing his reputation as a pioneering figure in the music industry and leading to his ostracization from the entertainment community. These accusations against him are no laughing matter. Prompting rumors of an alleged move to Bali to escape possible legal action. Reportedly, he wasn't laughing either when he was served a lawsuit, even whilst being in the Indonesian province. Mar 26, 2024 These accusations along with numerous others within the hip-hop community have prompted soul-searching within hip-hop culture and forced a reckoning with issues of abuse, exploitation and misogy-noir within the hip-hop industry.

There's a tendency within certain circles to separate the art from the artist, to compartmentalize one's personal conduct from their creative output often downplaying of criminal and unethical behavior, particularly when it conflicts with the perceived attributes or conflicts of the characters depicted in the artist's work.

In Allen's case, his films often explored themes of neurosis, relationships, and moral ambiguity, which seemingly created a sense of familiarity or empathy among writers and critics. Picture a newsroom full of men in the late 70’s or early 80’s. The room is filled with twerpish, disheveled, dorks with bad hygene and no desirability, desperate for sex, while neurotically trying to meet a deadline. They go to a Woody Allen film and recognize themselves in his characters. Their fantasy of attracting a young, pretty girl, who’s completely enamored by his ideas no matter how absurd. Allen created a character in his and their image, narcissism is rewarded. Woody Allen tells their story, the sexy, young actress is not attracted to the typical sexy male archetype of James Bond, Carey Grant or Shaft - she is attracted to him. The neurotic, insecure and simultaneously overconfident, puny little man became the hero. This admiration for his work, likely fueled the reluctance to later address or condemn his actions. Allen's influence and connections, likely played a role in shielding him from the full consequences of his alleged misconduct. This is not uncommon in cases where individuals in positions of authority or prominence are accused of wrongdoing.

The admiration some writers may have felt for Allen, Seinfeld, or Simmons should not overshadow the seriousness of the allegations against him, nor should it excuse or justify any criminal or unethical behavior. It's crucial for society to prioritize the well-being and safety of victims and survivors, and to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or influence.

The consistent pattern of these men, including Woody Allen, Jerry Seinfeld, and Russell Simmons, gravitating towards much younger women, even teenaged girls, underscores the gross display of adultification of adolescent and teenaged girls while there is an immediate forgiveness within society, media and vile acceptance of rich and famous men preying on teenaged girls. Despite significant age disparities and ethical concerns, their behavior is often excused, largely due to their wealth, fame, and the reflection of male insecurities and desires within certain fan bases.

Because let’s face it, men are attracted to young girls 71% believe it is acceptable for a man to date someone 10+ years younger than him. According to the Washington Post , 57% of men have fantasized about having sex with someone much younger than they are. Some say that men are attracted to younger women because it makes them feel young and powerful.

According to the Washington Post , 57% of men have fantasized about having sex with someone much younger than they are.

The consistent pattern of these men, including Woody Allen, Jerry Seinfeld, and Russell Simmons, gravitating towards much younger women, sometimes even teenagers, underscores troubling dynamics within society and the media. Despite significant age disparities and ethical concerns, their behavior often goes overlooked or excused, largely due to their wealth, fame, and the reflection of male insecurities and desires within certain fan bases.

These men's penchant for dating women significantly younger than themselves, particularly teenage girls who may be 30 years their junior, raises serious questions about power differentials and consent. Yet, their actions are often portrayed in the media as romantic conquests or symbols of virility, rather than scrutinized for the exploitative nature of their relationships. The media's complicity in perpetuating this narrative is evident in its tendency to prioritize sensationalism over ethical considerations. By glorifying these relationships, the media reinforces harmful stereotypes and contributes to the objectification of young women, framing them as objects to be consumed and discarded by much older, famous and wealthy men. The idolization of these men by certain fan bases further exacerbates the issue. Men within this fan bases may see fractions of themselves reflected in these men, idolizing their perceived ability to attract younger, conventionally attractive partners as well as the lack of consequences that comes with wealth.

This phenomenon is deeply rooted in the idolization of wealth and fame, perpetuating a culture where these men's actions are excused - or even celebrated, rather than critically examined. Their preference for much younger partners, sometimes decades their junior, underscores power imbalances, consent and exploitation. Despite this, the media often portrays these relationships through a lens of envy and admiration, perpetuating the notion that dating younger women is a symbol of success and desirability. The overarching embrace and superfluous defense of these behaviors by their male peers is aggressive to the point of obsequiousness.

This narrative is further fueled by the insecurities and desires of certain male demographics who idealize these men and aspire to emulate their perceived romantic conquests. By romanticizing these relationships, the media inadvertently reinforces harmful gender norms that adultify and objectify young girls, framing them as a backward achievement.

there are more than 7 million incidents of statutory rape every year in the United States.

Journalism has repeatedly failed us. The inability to suspend bias, empathy or have responsible dialogue about these behaviors is likely why Allen, Seinfeld, and Simmons were able was able to thrive in their worlds for decades - and perhaps why the arrogant and boorish personality belonging to the credibly accused, self admitted sexual assaulter, former president, Donald Trump (another New Yorker) was able to ascend to the highest office of the land. And likely why he will win a second term.

In 2015, people clutched their pearls over Trump’s bravado and vulgar conduct, this behavior appealed to many men. Across the country and the world people were shocked by the crassness of it all, yet there exists is the same appeal and adulation for his proclivities. Like Trump, some men want “grab women by the pussy.” That information is supported by the fact that a woman is sexually assaulted in the United States every day every 98 seconds. Or that 79% of men watch porn and 69% of those men have had fantasies about having sex with pornstars themselves. The truth is some adult men are attracted to 17 year-old girls, to minors to and to children. According to Wikipedia, there are more than 7 million incidents of statutory rape every year in the United States. However, only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police, which means more than 2 out of 3 go unreported.

Some men offer aid, comfort and idolization for their idols, especially those with the same impulses. The reluctance of the media to address the ethical implications of these relationships reflects a broader societal tendency to prioritize sensationalism and celebrity worship over critical analysis and accountability. Perpetuating a culture where wealthy, famous individuals are shielded from scrutiny and their problematic behavior is excused or normalized.

The normalization of age-disparate relationships among celebrities reinforces the perilous intersection of wealth, power, and privilege. Omitting Jerry Seinfeld’s relationship with a 17 year-old high school student, Woody Allen’s attraction and marriage to his daughter and Russell Simmons marriage to a teenager is dangerous. It’s examining and challenging these narratives, rather than romanticizing the exploitation and the objectification of girls that will protect girls from these interactions. The remaining responsibility is on men to hold themselves and their peers accountable, to question their own beliefs and morals when they see or are tasked to write a story about a famous or wealthy man playing the role of predator in the life of young girls.