Why Do People Hate Chadwick Boseman?
The late actor Chadwick Boseman is best known for his groundbreaking performance as T’Challa/Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films. While his passing in 2020 was met with immense grief from fans and colleagues alike, a small contingent still harbors hatred for the acclaimed actor – but why?
What Did Chadwick Boseman Do That Upset People?
Boseman kept his 4-year battle with colon cancer private, surprising fans when the news broke of his “tragic passing” at age 43. Some have condemned what they see as deception, viewing his lack of transparency as a betrayal.
However, most experts argue Boseman was under no obligation to publicize personal health matters and had legitimate reasons for maintaining privacy.
Privacy Around Personal Health Battles
Experts note many public figures keep health issues private to:
- Preserve professional opportunities
- Maintain authority/strength of brand
- Shield personal/family life
- Avoid invasive questions/speculation
As Table 1 shows, Boseman completed many physically demanding roles during his cancer battle – suggesting he wanted to continue working unhindered by public scrutiny over his condition.
Table 1
| Year | Major Physical Role |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Thoth (Gods of Egypt) |
| 2018 | T’Challa / Black Panther |
| 2019 | Black Panther (Avengers: Endgame) |
| 2020 | Levee (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) |
No Ethical Obligation
Additionally, ethicists argue celebrities have no ethical responsibility to divulge personal health information. Fans may feel “entitled to know,” but it remains a private matter.
Upholding privacy around his cancer likely helped Boseman maintain strength to continue inspiring fans as an actor and activist until the very end.
Is Withholding Health Information Unethical or Inherently Deceptive?
Withholding private health details is not inherently unethical nor deceptive according to experts. Intent matters – and Boseman does not appear to have weaponized secrecy for personal gain.
Privacy vs Deception
Secrecy itself does not equate deception. As Table 2 shows, ethics depend on context and intent.
Table 2
| Type | Motive | Example | Ethical? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Preserve dignity | Cancer battle | Yes |
| Deception | Avoid consequence | Hide addiction | No |
| Discretion | Maintain authority | Classified work details | Yes |
| Defamation | Undermine perceived enemy | False rumors | No |
Boseman’s privacy protected his ability to work and live fully on his own terms – not avoid consequences.
No Evidence of Malign Intent
Additionally, no evidence suggests Boseman hid his illness to manipulate fans or colleagues. He continued working not for personal gain but to maximize his impact by portraying icons of great meaning to minority communities.
Far from deception, his choice upheld his integrity and commitment to activism.
Why Do Some Fans Feel Betrayed by Boseman?
While Boseman had no ethical duty to disclose health struggles publicly, some fans interpret his choice as betrayal nonetheless due to:
Fan Entitlement
Minor celebrities often divulge intimate life details to both increase exposure and satisfy fan perceived “right to know.”
Counterintuitively, this transparency breeds growing entitlement among fans who come to see public figures as more friend than artist. Violating these informal “relationship” terms provokes backlash.
Celebrity Persona Allure
Boseman iconic Kendrick Lamar lyrics tattoo reading “LONG LIVE THE KING” in Wakandan script underscored his commanding yet graceful Black Panther persona – one seemingly at odds with a private cancer battle.
For fans, terminal illness complications taint the aspirational mythos attached to Boseman the celebrity vs the mortal man behind the roles.
Does Chadwick Boseman Deserve Posthumous Backlash?
In short, no – Boseman does not deserve posthumous backlash based on ethical analysis.
No Actual Harm to Fans
Firstly, choosing to keep his illness private brought no quantifiable harm to fans or the public at large. Table 3 summarizes the ethical impact considerations:
| Who | Harm? | Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Fans | No | Upheld ability to inspire, work productively |
| Public | No | No negligence or deficiencies |
| Colleagues | No | Displayed professionalism on sets |
Exercised Personal Autonomy
Secondly, Boseman acted wholly within his rights by declining to publicize sensitive health information. Famous figures retain the same rights to personal autonomy as ordinary citizens. His choice exercised this autonomy responsibly.
In the absence of malice or negligence, condemning him for shielding an extremely difficult circumstance amounts to discrimination.
Conclusion
In closing, Chadwick Boseman does not warrant ongoing backlash for shielding his terminal cancer diagnosis from the public eye. He embraced great personal challenge to continue delivering inspiring performances that enriched pop culture diversity up to the very end.
While fans may have felt mislead mourning his shocking passing, ethics prove withholding medical information itself neither deceptive nor a betrayal of trust. Boseman recognized celebrity status does not negate basic human rights – including privacy over health matters of intimate gravity.
The lesson emerges to extend this same grace back. If Boseman moved us in life portraying legends transcending sickness, racism and inequality – we only betray that spirit by misaligning our grief against him now. Instead we might honor his choice by celebrating a life maximized for public impact despite devastating private pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Chadwick Boseman hide his cancer deliberately?
No evidence suggests Boseman concealed his illness with malignant intentions. He privately battled cancer for 4 years while continuing to work – indicating he wished to carry on inspiring fans without hindrance or scrutiny.
When did Boseman die?
Chadwick Boseman died at age 43 on August 28, 2020 after a 4-year battle with colon cancer. His passing came as a shock to fans given Boseman’s choice to withhold his diagnosis privately.
What major roles did Chadwick Boseman have while fighting cancer?
From 2016-2020, Boseman starred as Thoth in Gods of Egypt (2016), the iconic title role in Black Panther (2018), reprised Black Panther in Avengers: Endgame (2019), and portrayed ambitious trumpeter Levee in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020).
How can fans accept Boseman’s choice to keep his illness private?
Fans wishing to make peace might:
- Recognize Boseman’s right to medical privacy as a human being
- Appreciate the great pain masking his suffering required
- Respect the courage to inspire while battling terminal illness
Why might celebrities feel reluctant to share health struggles?
There are many legitimate reasons famous figures conceal illness/injury – loss of professional opportunities, public scrutiny over ability to work, greater barriers to obtaining life/disability coverage in the future. And of course – preserving personal dignity.
