More than just a famous face: Exploring the rise of the celebrity expert-advocate through anti-trafficking action by the Demi and Ashton Foundation

Abstract

While the criminological literatures explore celebrity trials and investigations, the celebrity’s placement as an actor in criminal justice processes – and as an authoritative voice on crime – remains less investigated. With celebrity activism and testimony increasing around issues like human and child trafficking, this article contemplates the celebrity as an ‘expert-advocate’ who reinforces the state’s ability to regulate, especially in light of ongoing challenges to its sovereignty, such as trafficking. Through the Demi and Ashton (DNA) Foundation’s ‘Real Men’ and Customs and Border Protection campaigns, we note that celebrities are no longer just ‘public faces’, but also members of a ‘firm’ working with the state to recreate the illusion of state sovereignty, bolstering borders and divides. We call for further research into celebrities as influential agents in the criminal justice system.