pander
UK: ˈpændə | US: ˈpændər
vi. to gratify or indulge (someone's immoral desires or tastes)
n. a person who exploits or caters to the base desires of others
The word "pander" originates from the character Pandarus in medieval literature (notably Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde and Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida), who facilitated the illicit love affair between Troilus and Cressida. Over time, "Pandarus" evolved into "pander" as a verb and noun, generalizing to describe anyone who enables or profits from the vices of others. The root pand- reflects yielding to desires, while -er denotes an agent.
The tabloid newspaper panders to public curiosity about celebrities' private lives.
Politicians often pander to voters by making unrealistic promises.
He refused to pander to the audience's demand for sensationalism.
The film was criticized for pandering to outdated stereotypes.
She accused the media of being panders to corporate interests.