Kristofer Ahlström: The film with Måns Zelmerlöw makes your stomach turn

A video circulating on social media captures Swedish singer Måns Zelmerlöw performing his 1991 hit "Sommaren i city" in a Båstad garden. The clip, shared by political scientist Ulf Bjereld, shows Zelmerlöw singing with apparent anticipation of a response, but the middle-aged audience, seated with their backs to the camera, appears disengaged and converses amongst themselves.

The scene has generated significant attention, being shared thousands of times. The author describes the moment as "almost unbearable to watch," a stark contrast to Zelmerlöw's past triumphs at Melodifestivalen and large arena concerts. This fall from public adoration to exposed vulnerability evokes a sense of discomfort and "second-hand embarrassment."

This phenomenon is compared to the "end of 'Tár'" in the 2022 film, where Cate Blanchett's character, a celebrated conductor, faces cancellation and ends up leading an orchestra playing video game music for cosplaying fans. While few public figures experience complete financial ruin, the roles they are offered after falling from grace often come at a significant cost to their dignity.

The article notes other instances of public figures enduring humiliating situations, such as actor Armie Hammer transitioning from Golden Globe-nominated roles to starring in a film accused of fascist leanings, or Kevin Spacey selling "Fuck you" rings online to avoid bankruptcy. These examples illustrate a pattern where individuals, regardless of the severity of their downfall, often find themselves in diminished or undignified circumstances.

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It turns the stomach with discomfort and second-hand embarrassment.