Grooming

In light of recent events regarding a famous person on TV.  I wonder, perhaps grooming is actually carried out by the lesser person who by making themselves known to a celebrity is hoping that this will achieve work, status or whatever.   Some men or woman have always been prepared to sacrifice themselves to get what they  want.
The better known person then lies, but many people will lie but damaging things, that is the way of life.

These are just my personal thought and I am hoping this will not inflame you.     Mrs Bouquet

If I am understanding the use of the term as you presented it, Oxford Languages defines grooming as "the action of attempting to form a relationship with a child or young person, with the intention of sexually assaulting them or inducing them to commit an illegal act such as selling drugs or joining a terrorist organization".   My apologies if some of that language is uncomfortable, but I thought a direct quote might be in order here (and I also understand if some people feel the need to report this post and request that it be taken down).

I'm not aware of the famous person on TV that you referred to.  However, I've never heard "grooming" used outside of the context of a groomer doing this with a child or young person (the "subject" of the grooming). In this context, the groomer always has the upper hand in terms of age or status, wealth, fame, popularity, political power, etc.  In some cases, the groomer and the subject could be the same age, but most of the time, the groomer is older, the subject is younger, often a child.  In this context, my opinion is that the subject of grooming is always a victim.  Full stop.

Mrs. B, I also hope that I have not offended anyone.