Benefit Concert For OH Singer To Feature Cold Play's Chris Martin

[Ash]

I don't know. I think if celebrities of the fame and calibre of Chris Martin all got behind the cause of ME/CFS a lot of our troubles would basically go away or become significantly alleviated over quite a short space of time. The lack of awareness and public perception problem fuels the way we are treated and the lack of research etc.

The only way it could backfire is if someone like Gwyneth Paltrow took up the cause and it became associated with scam and pseudoscientific treatments and "wellness culture". However I think this could be overcome as someone like that who is already problematic could be easily seen to be taking advantage of sick people. What would be toxic is the "debate" over the illness - but this is something that already occurs. Generally I think huge general public exposure to this would be really good.

Sadly I think even when famous people get ill with ME-like illnesses, they aren't told they have ME and don't really know about it and don't advocate for it, or say unhelpful things about quack cures, as we have seen. If they had someone in their social circle however with ME/CFS it may be a bit different as there hasn't been an incentive for people with agendas to reach out to the patient to push nonsense, which is what sadly seems to have happened in some cases. So the celebrity may get a clearer idea of what life really is for people with ME.

As far as I am aware celebrities getting ill with ME or CFS have said that they were less ready to talk about this condition than others that they have because the stigma applied would negatively affect their chances to get work.

Being either treatable or fit enough to crack on with a show no matter what is the culture for public facing or entertainment industry work. You’re not easily substituted for.


I think it would be easier for celebrities to support others with the illness than to acknowledge it as their own.
I don’t blame any of them for not talking about it. Everyone has a right to privacy about their health.

I think it is not as bad as being a dr with ME where the majority your own colleges will most certainly turn on you and condemn you for your failure and frailty. But it’s definitely economically and reputational risky.

I am not so much worried about here because being a well regarded mature white man with a degree of career success and good community standing and a Christian faith puts him in the best position he could be in while facing this onslaught of misinformation. Some people will view this disease differently if they understand that it could happen to them or those they look up to.

 

[Ash]

A fine moment @ 0:24:20