I agree with you somewhat. Nobody's perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. The mistakes of those you mentioned simply get a bigger spotlight.

We could look to many who have done a great deal of damage to our society as of late.

The reason many talk about the ones you mentioned is because they have that inspirational rags to riches story. Nepotism wasn't involved in their success. They didn't come from money. They succeeded with sheer grit, drive, and belief. It gives people the opportunity to think: "If they could do it, I could do it." It gives them hope. Don't take that away from them.

The decisions and actions people make once they've succeeded is a different story, but the story of their success can be and is inspirational to many.