You want to know what histrionic personality disorder it is?

Get a copy of People magazine. Read the latest story about a celebrity’s seductive, self-centered and self-indulgent behavior. Study carefully the dramatic antics of her. I gaped at her provocative dress. Surprise yourself with her need for attention. But don’t confuse her self-centeredness with those who use her position and privilege to seduce children.

Yes, people with histrionic personality disorder have a high need for attention, a tendency to manipulate others to achieve their own needs, and a dramatic kick to their antics. His behavior may be theatrical but it is not criminal.

Of course, we shouldn’t be surprised when criminal lawyers use psychiatric terminology to explain criminal behavior. It seems to be what they do these days. Find a diagnosis. Excuse the behavior.

Once labeled with a diagnosis, those with vested interests try to cover up all manner of deviant behavior.

• You have a “disease”, you are free.
• You can not avoid it. Blame it on your illness.
• You are “suffering” from an ailment.
• You should go to therapy to get fixed.
• It should not be blamed or punished.

It all sounds so rational. But it’s all so fake. And blatantly unfair to those who actually have the diagnosis. No one, even those with a bona fide personality disorder, gets a free pass to engage in behavior that is ruinous to others. Especially when their victims are vulnerable young people.

No matter what the psychiatric problem is, one must practice self-control. Impulse control disorder doesn’t give you license to do what your emotions tell you to do. Narcissistic personality disorder does not give you license to walk all over others. Histrionic personality disorder does not give you a license to sexually seduce young boys. Have all the fantasies you want, but once you act them out, you’ve entered the realm of criminal behavior.

The self-centered and self-absorbed behavior of celebrities can be scandalous. But for the most part, it’s entertaining for others (it gives us a lot to talk about) and it’s only harmful to themselves. But those who use their position to seduce young people are not funny. They are disgusting. And disgusting. And deeply immoral.

We should call it what it is. We don’t hesitate to do it when it comes to some pervert on the street. But when he is a personality with immense power and privilege, we act differently. We give him free rein to use words and pranks to try to escape responsibility for his immoral behavior. That’s not entertaining. It is shameful