The “Yoko Effect”. The powerful (and damaging) myth that women are responsible for their male partner’s actions. The American rapper, singer and record producer Mac Miller’s tragic death reflected this very idea of the “Yoko Effect” recently. When Miller tragically died of a suspected overdose in September this year, his legacy was diluted as his ex-girlfriend - Ariana Grande - was thrown into the limelight, surrounded by a whirlwind of negative headlines and gendered slurs. So why was it, that the initial response of thousands of heartbroken, grieving fans was to blame his death on Grande? As his death was being broadcasted, articles were centered around the idea that Miller and Grande’s break-up had been a key reason for his death. This perspective, that so many adopted in light of his death, did not stem from anything that Miller or Grande said; instead, it was quite the opposite of what both of them had publicly stated regarding their breakup. Miller’s response to Grande’s engagement to Pete Davidson was, “It’s all positive energy” in an interview with Beats 1. “I am happy for her in moving forward with her life,” he continued, “just as I’m sure she is with me.” Grande’s comments about their breakup mirrored a similar outlook as Miller’s. She had always prayed for his sobriety and cared for him deeply. There is nothing to suspect that these statements are not genuine in any way, but even that is not enough to stop speculation about Grande’s responsibility for Miller’s death. Grande being blamed for Miller’s death is not the first example (nor will it be the last) of a woman being blamed for a male’s actions. The “Yoko Effect” has been around since before social media platforms existed. An example of this is the relationship between Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain. Courtney was blamed for Kurt’s addiction to heroin as well as for faking his suicide (both of which are untrue). This was twenty years before social media existed. However, the comment section in Courtney’s Instagram posts are still riddled with claims and conspiracies that blame her for his death. The toxic nature of the “Yoko Effect” is still so apparent in the 21st century. The progression for women has been significant, but the death of Mac Miller highlights how there is still a firm belief that it is acceptable for women to be subordinate and to take responsibility for the actions of the men in their lives. Lily Iqbal
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