Smug as a bug in a rug: Closeting and the Selling of Scandal, Part 2 of 2

[ If missed, please read Pt. 1 of 2 here first ]

4) August 2015- November 2015 Patrick Kane 

Patrick Kane is a well-known figure in the NHL. Well-known and accomplished. To date, he has won three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks. He also was the NHL Rookie of the year in 2007-08 and an MVP in the 2013 Playoffs.  He also became the first American player to win the Scoring Title during the 2015-2016 season. In July 2014, Kane also happened to have signed an eight-year $84 million dollar contract, which was impressively matched by his close friend and teammate, Jonathan Toews. 

Another superstar talent, Toews entered the league the same year as Kane, a twice honored Olympic Gold medalist with natural leadership capabilities, which the Chicago Blackhawks immediately acknowledged by naming him team captain at only 20 years of age. Often referred to as the world's best hockey player by those in a position to know what that accolade entails, he likewise has three Stanley Cup titles under his belt. 

From the beginning, Kane and Toews were inseparable, becoming the best of friends, with a chemistry and closeness for all to see and comment upon. So close, in fact, that bromance had quickly become the only socially acceptable catchall phrase used to describe the standout pair. At 29 years of age, neither have been married.

Thus far the selling of scandal as part of the closeting strategy for celebrities has exclusively focused on sex, nudity and infidelity. But with Patrick Kane, we come to the most serious topic of all. Narratives that involve more than just advancing the traditional markers of heterosexuality such as engagements, womanizing, and marriages. In August 2015, a claim of the most despicable kind hit the headlines, the assertion of rape. 

From the beginning, the journalist who first became aware of the charges against Kane curiously described the case as "one of the hardest stories to pursue... in [his] 38 years as a reporter.” In the end, no arrests were ever made, and Kane's DNA was only found on the accuser's shoulders and fingernails, even after a sexual kit examination at a local hospital. During the three month ordeal, the prosecutor accused the alleged victim’s mother of a hoax and described the case as being "rife with reasonable doubt."  In fact, the alleged victim’s lawyer eventually resigned. On the other hand, the Erie County District Attorney, Frank Sedita, emphasized that Kane had never made incriminating statements, nor did he ever engage in "any conduct consistent with a consciousness of guilt."  Long story short, in the end, Kane was never arrested and no charges were ever filed. The investigation closed after approximately 90 days, just in time for the bulk of the 2015-16 NHL season to be played. 

And to tie everything up nicely in a big Blackhawk red bow, Patrick Kane made the culminating statement:  "My family's been awesome. My girlfriend's been great." Once again, a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing in the end. But, an extravagant scandal no hockey fan will forget anytime soon. Evidently, an $86 million sports contract might have some drawbacks after all, particularly if others perceive both recipients as being "bromatically" inclined. While Toews is still shackled with his blond "bombshell girlfriend," Kane's reputation has been irretrievably sacrificed as added protection, collateral damage in the inevitable casualties of the closet wars.  

Our last example needs little introduction, other than the appellation that he has rightfully earned as a result of years of comical attempts to persuade the public that he likes women. Really, he wants you to know that he does. The quintessential entertainment industry insider. The man "The Beard Club" has crowned "The gayest US TV host ever'.  Our archetype closeted man of the hour:  Mr. All-Time Heterosexual, Ryan Seacrest™

Now, even though it's hard to believe, with all the multifarious examples we have been subjected, er, introduced to over the years, it appears that Mr. Heterosexual, Ryan Seacrest™ is still insecure about his straight status in the public's eye. But with so many headlines grappling for attention, what possible story line might Mr. Heterosexual, Ryan Seacrest™ insert himself into to reinforce that precious cis image of his. The tax hike for the rich debate? How about the Russian interference with the 2016 election? Maybe the Shanghai Victoria Secret's Fashion Show debacle? No that won't work. That's Harry Styles' closet. What about exploiting one of the most important issues of our time? The #MeToo movement that encourages victims of sexual assault and abuse to come forward into the light of day in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein revelations.  Surely, not Mr. Heterosexual, Ryan Seacrest™.  His net worth is said to be over $350 million dollars. A power player in the entertainment industry. What does he have to hide? Well, think again. A current headline:

Ryan Seacrest Denies Misconduct Allegations Brought Against Him By Former Stylist

Good thing a spokesperson for E! has immediately confirmed that an investigation is under way. That should ensure a thoroughly vetted outcome. Oh, but that's right. Since the charges are more than likely a Machiavellian case of unscrupulous misdirection, there is actually no need for an investigation at all. But, like Patrick Kane, Seacrest gets the benefit of a controversy that will grab the headlines and subliminally remind everyone that he wants women. For men of his ilk, it doesn't matter that the charge is sexual assault. As long as his preppy closet is nice and tidy in the aftermath. 

When people wonder why it is so hard to come out of the closet in the film, music or sports industry today, the rigged game is an answer to the question.  Just remember that the next time someone accuses another of being a delusional conspiracy theorist because they think a performer is not straight, they are more than likely being accused by someone working for the power structure in the entertainment industry. And that same someone is hired to collude, conspire, and get other useful idiots to be complicit in their grand schemes of perpetuating the closet. In this instance, going on the offensive and pointing fingers is a tried and true method to shut down meaningful discussion. 

There's nothing wrong with using your own eyes, your ears and your brains to come to a reasonable conclusion about any topic. Lies, deceptions, cover ups, manufactured scandals will not further freedom or tolerance. While some may choose to self closet, thousands more would love to be liberated and given a real choice. Allies are welcomed, even though the Powers That Be would love to convince others this is not the case.

 Louis Tomlinson literally struggling to climb out of the closet,  posted on Niall Horan's instagram.  August 22, 2014

 

pic sources: Us Magazine, Getty, People, Daily Mail

our playlist:  Oops!... I Did It Again - Britney Spears

                     Demons - Imagine Dragons
                     I Won't Back Down - Tom Petty
                     Know Your Enemy - Green Day