Three Reasons Why Celebrity Sex Tapes Are Not Career-Killers

The year 1997 was a big year for Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee. As they were both sorting out the details of their mess of their failed marriage and subsequent divorce, they were also dealing with an entity called Internet Entertainment Group, a company that was responsible for featuring a sex tape involving the pair while they were on their 1995 honeymoon. Both of the participants had been in the public eye: Tommy for his rocking days in band Motley Crue, and Pamela for portraying a beach vixen on "Baywatch", amongst other things. The couple was livid about the release of the tape. But in spite of their "embarrassment", the two remained a huge part of American pop culture, and have gone on to enjoy lucrative careers. At one point in time, incriminating photos or video footage of celebrities were considered kisses of death in the entertainment world. But now, celebrities without sex tapes are considered the anomaly.

Everyone Has Sex

An unlikely pair to end up as part of the celebrity scandal brigade, is Nick Lachey and girlfriend Vanessa Minnillo. The two, who have enjoyed squeaky clean B-List celebrity status were photographed in July on a romantic Mexican vacation---nude and frolicking in a hot tub. Although racier photos were eventually kept under wraps, neither of the two made any attempts to effect any major "damage control." In fact, they've gone on with their lives without skipping a beat. Why? Because quite frankly, no one cares.

In a lot of ways, this society has become desensitized against sex the way it has become desensitized against violence. As the years progress television networks are becoming more and more indulgent where subject matter is concerned. There was a time when certain curse words were taboo on television. Now those same words are part of the average sitcom vernacular. That being said, when a new celebrity sex tape is revealed, universal interest is generated at first. But the hype quickly dies down because everything that's been done before, has also been seen before.

Gimme a Boost!

Without a doubt, the one celebrity whose "career" has endured a boost since the release of her sex tape, is Paris Hilton. The heiress is known for a list of things. Acting, singing, and philanthropy are not part of that list. What the celebutante is most known for is her sex tape that was released in 2004. While the heiress claimed utter public humiliation and embarrassment about the video ("One Night in Paris"), she ultimately profited from its release, and since, has even been photographed in other "embarrassing" situations. The point is that the name Paris Hilton will forever be linked to the phrase "sex tape."

There is no celebrity, however, who's received a bigger boost to his career than R&B singer, R. Kelly. In February of 2002, Kelly was accused of taking up with an underaged girl (in a rather vile way) after a video of the acts was released. Up until this point, the singer has not been convicted of the acts he has claimed he didn't participate in. In fact, he's claimed that the male image in the video is not even him. But the mere suggestion (and the amazingly identical likeness to Kelly) have done nothing but stir up controversy, which in turn has only boosted his popularity and record sales. Kelly still faces multiple charges involving the incident. But the entire ordeal makes one wonder how much of a success R. Kelly would really be, if he didn't have this specific stigma attached to his name and career.

Last Call for Fame...

Sometimes celebrities, upon realizing that their days in the limelight are rapidly dwindling, will do just about anything to garner a little attention. Take for instance, figure skater Tonya Harding, whose ex-husband Jeff Gillooly released a "wedding night" video in 1994 in order to gain a little notoriety. Chyna Doll (also known as Joanie Laurer) also released a sex tape of her and fellow wrestler Sean Waltman (Six-Pac) ironically named, "One Night in China." Supposedly, this was done to boost their careers. Also joining the Sex Tape Club are celebrities like Kim Kardashian, whose exploits with ex-beau Ray-J (brother of R&B singer, Brandy) popped up on the internet earlier in 2007. But like her pal, Paris Hilton, Kardashian has been offered millions in "compensation for her embarrassment." And in a meager attempt to claw at the remaining shreds of fame he has, "Saved by the Bell" alum, Dustin Diamond released his own dalliance for the world to see. However, there was controversy as to whether the man shown having sex in the video is even Diamond at all.

It would seem that the world would be uncomfortable viewing someone's private affairs (pun intended) on film. But in today's fast-paced entertainment world, obtaining and maintaining fame is becoming more and more expensive. Talent and perseverance once were considered the primary elements for success in the entertainment industry. Now, the emphasis is on how much celebs are willing to sell of themselves in order to fuel the machine.