A theory as to why hero worshipping is a phenomenon, is that someone who is deemed to be innovative and useful could pass on the know how to the group in order to collectively survive and thrive. And from my observation, a dark parallel applies to “villain” worshipping. Like, someone who is already brazenly and unashamedly corrupt is still fawned over upon. Deep down, the supporters must be thinking “Impressive. How are they getting away with it? What are they doing that I could also do, to get away with such shameless act?”
They want what they are told to want.
This is the weakness that we were warned was a foundational component of democracy itself. The citizenry must be educated, or it becomes vulnerable.