Mac Miller’s passing on September 7, 2018 left many fans and celebrities saddened, shocked and questioning what they could have done to help the rapper.
Ex-girlfriend Ariana Grande broke her silence on Miller’s passing by simply posting a black and white photo of Miller and no caption, which spoke more than words could have expressed in the manner in which she loved him.
Fans and celebrities alike have sent their condolences over the rapper’s passing at the young age of 26. Along with the condolences, though, came harmful accusations that Grande is to blame for his death, claiming Miller’s reckless behavior is due to the couple splitting after two years together.
Ariana had only kinds words for her ex after their split, posting on her Instagram a heart felt announcement stating, “I respect and adore him endlessly, and am grateful to have him in my life in any form, at all times regardless of how our relationship changes or what the universe holds for each of us!” (Billboard). A few weeks after announcing their breakup, Miller was arrested for drunk driving in a hit-and-run, totaling his Mercedes G-Wagon. Fans on twitter were quick to accuse Grande of being responsible for his reckless actions, blaming her for ending the relationship and leaving him at a time where he needed her most.
Ariana defended herself on Twitter, stating, “I am not a babysitter or a mother and no woman should feel that they need to be. I have cared for him and tried to support his sobriety and prayed for his balance for years (and always will of course) but shaming/blaming women for a man’s inability to keep his shit together is a very major problem.” (Twitter)
Grande does not deserve the hate she is receiving. Many people do not view celebrities as real people and instead define them by their pictures on Instagram or Twitter. What the public saw of her relationship with Miller were the best moments, not the moments she describes as toxic. She stayed until it became too much for her and could not be a partner in the relationship anymore with Miller’s substance abuse issues.
It’s painful enough to lose a love one, or someone you care about, but it is much worse to be ashamed and scared to share your emotions on it.