What We Don’t See: Coercive Control, Celebrity, and the Hidden Systems of Abuse

A look at Manipulation, Power and public image

From Hollywood’s red carpets to international music tours, a darker story plays out behind the glamour. One where control is exercised not through fists, but through fear, manipulation, and silence.

In this episode of The Cult Vault, we explored the stories of Russell Brand, Chris Brown, Jared Leto, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and the leaders of OneTaste. all individuals or institutions facing serious allegations of abuse. But more importantly, we explored the pattern behind the headlines: coercive control.

What Is Coercive Control?

Coined by forensic social worker Evan Stark, coercive control describes a pattern of domination that can include surveillance, intimidation, gaslighting, financial control, sexual coercion, and isolation. It often doesn’t leave bruises — which is exactly why it’s so dangerous, and so overlooked.

Only a handful of U.S. states recognize coercive control in their legal codes, but the psychological damage it causes is widely documented — and increasingly discussed in the context of cults, celebrity, and systemic abuse.

The Pattern Behind the Public Figures

• Russell Brand allegedly used his fame to prey on fans, including underage girls, behind the scenes of his comedy and media work. Despite red flags, media outlets and production companies allegedly ignored or enabled his behavior for years.

• Chris Brown, best known for the 2009 assault on Rihanna, continues to face lawsuits and allegations — from backstage beatings to sexual assaults — painting a pattern of violence, entitlement, and minimised accountability.

• Jared Leto has been accused of grooming underage fans and using power dynamics to coerce sex. His curated image as an eccentric rockstar and actor often overshadowed these persistent allegations.

• Sean Combs (Diddy) is currently awaiting trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Federal indictments and over a dozen civil suits suggest a system of abuse that used wealth and influence to silence victims.

• OneTaste, a “sexual wellness” company promoting “orgasmic meditation,” was revealed to be a coercive, high-control group where vulnerable people were allegedly manipulated, exploited, and abused under the guise of empowerment.

Why Coercive Control Must Be Named

These aren’t one-off scandals. They reflect a deeper failure to recognize the invisible tactics abusers use to dominate their victims.

By naming coercive control, we shift the lens:

• From “Why didn’t you leave?”

• To “What made leaving feel impossible?”

Coercive control explains why people stay. It helps us understand trauma bonding. And it exposes the power imbalances that often go unchecked — especially when the abuser is rich, famous, or influential.

Legal Limits, Cultural Consequences

In Sean Combs’ ongoing trial, the judge ruled that “coercive control” could not be discussed — because New York State doesn’t recognize it as a legal form of abuse. This reflects a broader issue: our legal systems lag behind the lived realities of survivors.

But our cultural conversations don’t have to wait.

What Can You Do?

• Educate yourself on coercive control and its signs

• Listen without judgment to survivors’ stories

• Support legislation expanding domestic violence protections

• Speak up when power is abused, even when it’s uncomfortable

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org in the USA, or reach out to SafeLives or WomensAid in the UK.

Closing Thoughts

Coercive control hides in plain sight — behind love, behind fame, behind success. But when we recognise it, name it, and talk about it, we begin to reclaim power from those who misuse it.

Thank you for joining me on this vital conversation. Keep listening. Keep questioning. And above all, stay safe and stay aware.

Kacey Baker, MSc - Host of The Cult Vault