In the world of entertainment journalism, it is crucial to maintain a level of professionalism and respect when interviewing celebrities. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as we witnessed recently when popular media personality Akademiks asked Erykah Badu an inappropriate and offensive question during an interview. This incident raises important questions about boundaries, respect, and the responsibility of journalists to uphold ethical standards. During a live-streamed interview, Akademiks, known for his controversial remarks, asked Erykah Badu, a highly respected artist and musician, how many rappers have "run through" her. This question not only crossed the line of decency but also objectified and disrespected Badu as a woman and an artist. It is disheartening to witness such a blatant disregard for professionalism and basic human decency in the media industry. As journalists, it is our responsibility to conduct interviews with respect, integrity, and sensitivity. We must remember that celebrities are human beings with feelings, emotions, and personal boundaries. Asking someone about their personal relationships or sexual history is not only invasive but also irrelevant to their work and accomplishments. It is crucial to focus on their artistry, achievements, and

the topics they are comfortable discussing. In the face of this inappropriate question, Erykah Badu handled the situation with grace and dignity. She calmly responded, "Next question, please," effectively shutting down the line of inquiry. Badu's response serves as a reminder that celebrities should not be subjected to disrespectful and offensive questions, and they have the right to set boundaries during interviews. This incident highlights the need for media outlets and journalists to prioritize ethical journalism. Sensationalism and clickbait tactics may generate short-term attention, but they erode the credibility and integrity of the profession. Journalists should strive to ask thoughtful, relevant, and respectful questions that contribute to a meaningful conversation and shed light on the artist's work and experiences. It is essential for media personalities like Akademiks to be held accountable for their actions. By asking inappropriate questions, they perpetuate a culture of disrespect and objectification. It is our collective responsibility to call out such behavior and demand better from those in the media industry. We must promote a culture of respect, equality, and professionalism, where artists are valued for their talent and contributions rather than their personal lives.