The media and the celebrities involved in the college admissions scam
Back in March of 2019 news broke of a college admissions scandal. It was revealed that some parents and facility members were charged with committing fraud to get students admitted into top schools.
Hollywood actress Lori Loughlin well known for her role as Aunt Becky on the sitcom Full House; and her husband Mossimo Giannulli an American fashion designer were among the parents charged for their participation in the scam.
Although the incident took place last year the actress made headlines when she reported to prison in October. NBC News wrote an article covering the event titled “Lori Loughlin begins 2-month prison sentence in college admissions scandal.” In the article, we learn that Laughlin and Giannulli are amid the 57 people charged for their participation in the college administration scheme or Operation Varsity Blues. The two paid $500,000 for both their daughters to be admitted to the University of Southern California as recruits for the crew team; a sport which neither girls participated in.
The article informed readers that during her sentencing in August the actress expressed her regret for her participation in the scam. They stated that while reading her statement to the court she cried. It was noted that this was different from her composers last year where she smiled and signed autographs outside the court. With this readers can assume that the actress possibly now realizes the seriousness of her crime, or she may just be fearful now that she is closer to spending time in prison.
Another notable take away from this article was the quote from Judge Nathaniel Gordon who is in charge of the case he said, “Here you are, an admired, successful, professional actor with a long lasting marriage, two apparently healthy, resilient children, more money than you could possibly need, a beautiful home in sunny Southern California — a fairy tale life.” Gordon continues to say, “Yet you stand before me a convicted felon. And for what? For the inexplicable desire to grasp even more.”
This quote from the judge expressed a thought that many would agree with. It seems to be the only quote that could represent what everyday people might be thinking about the incident.
The article mentioned another actress Felicity Huffman, star of Desperate Housewives who was sentenced last year for her role in the scandal. Huffman was sentenced to 14 days in prison of which she served 11 days. The article presented this information to readers and stated that according to prison officials “She was released on a Friday as is normal policy for inmates who are set to be released on weekends.”
This quote seems to be explaining why she severed 3 days less than she was sentenced, readers are supposed to understand that she got out early because of the day her sentence ended. The story continues to say, “Huffman was in general population and had to follow all the rules including a 5 a.m. wakeup call, a uniform of khaki pants and a brown T-shirt, … Loughlin will be expected to follow the same rules as set forth by the Bureau of Prisons.”This sends the message that like Huffman, Loughlin would not be given special treatment while serving her time.
However, what the article failed to express was how little these celebrities were being punished for their serious crimes. They received minimal time in prison one can not help but wonder if their status as popular, rich, white celebrities played a role in their sentencing.
Although Judge scrolled Loughlin she did only receive 2 months behind bars, her husband received only 5, and Huffman’s 14 days is the most jaw-dropping. Yet this article and other articles that covered the story do not question the time given to these celebrities. It could also be possible that these individuals’ popularity and success in the entertainment field affects how the media writes about them.