Content warning: This article contains references to sexual assault and violence.

Per Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a stan is “an extremely or excessively enthusiastic and devoted fan.” While there is nothing inherently wrong with being very passionate about your favorite artist and their music, the level of obsession and unwavering support stans tend to give their favorite artists ultimately stifles creativity and prevents accountability for the artists’ actions. This is because, to a stan, every album by their favorite artist is the greatest album ever, no notes, and no action they ever take is unjustified. 

Accountability is how people grow as humans, and critique is how artists improve their craft. Without accountability and critique, artists are put on a pedestal, and the artist oftentimes will happily accept this parasocial relationship because it pays their bills.

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Perhaps the most blatant example of this unique artist-stan parasocial relationship is Nicki Minaj and her fans known as the “Barbz.” While there are arguments to be made about the decline in quality of her music in recent years, her impact on the music industry can’t be disputed. That being said, the biggest issue with Minaj is what comes off as a lack of morals. 

Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, is a registered sex offender, convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl in 1995. In defense of her husband, Minaj allegedly harassed and attempted to bribe her husband’s victim. 

Equally as bad, Minaj’s brother Jelani Maraj was sentenced to 25 years in prison for raping an 11-year-old girl. Even dating back to 2018, Minaj voluntarily chose to work with controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine amid his legal battles over allegedly raping and recording a sexual encounter he had with a 13-year-old when he was 18. She again collaborated with him in 2020. 

In a deleted tweet defending her decision to once again work with Tekashi 6ix9ine, Minaj stated, “Many will never know what it feels like to have a mind of their own.” What Minaj, safeguarded by her fans, seems to not understand is that there is no having a mind of your own when it comes to things that are objectively bad like sexual assault and rape. This is not a harmless discussion of whether pineapple belongs on pizza. This is a discussion of Minaj repeatedly surrounding herself with predators. To say there can be diverse opinions on this matter is dismissive and harmful — not just to the victims directly impacted by Minaj’s choices but to victims everywhere.

One of the signature tactics the Barbz use to defend Minaj is doxxing — or leaking private information — of her critics. In a TIME Magazine article released earlier this year, TikTok creator Bela Delgado shared that after she criticized Minaj’s diss track toward Megan Thee Stallion titled “Big Foot” — in which Minaj makes fun of Megan’s victimhood after she was shot by her ex — she was doxxed by Barbz. This put not only Delgado in danger but also her family, simply for critiquing objectively bad actions and a song made in poor taste.

While Delgado is just one example of the impact of holding unabashed support for an artist, regardless of their actions, her unfortunate experience is merely a microcosm of a growing trend with fans of mainstream artists. Rather than allowing for critique — something that leads to creativity — stans stifle any opportunity for improvement by shutting down critics and making them fear for their lives. Music as an art form is supposed to be fun and enjoyable, and supporting your favorite artist should not be treated like a full-time job.

Instead of channeling your energy into defending an artist’s reprehensible actions, use that same energy to hold them accountable. This does not mean you need to stop listening to their music or stop supporting them. You can be a critic of their actions but a supporter of their artistry.

While it may seem otherwise, holding your favorite artist or celebrity accountable for actions you do not agree with does not make you a fake fan. It means you have your own set of morals that are not dependent on what your favorite celebrity endorses. And while your stance may not lead to any actual change from that person, it takes real integrity to acknowledge the imperfections of those you admire.