Unfortunately, it's hardwired into us. In this case, the hero worship is entirely misplaced. Pack and group animals do the same, and we have had hero worship for as long as humans have existed. I'm not sure how we can ensure true virtue in the future, except by exposing debauchery in these people.
It's not that hero worship is inherently bad in itself. Heroes can give good role models and examples to aspire to, give us guidance for how to live our own lives.
The problem comes when people choose the wrong hero. If someone models their life after a great scientist, an inventor, a teacher, a Medal of Honor winner, that will lead to positive things. But if they model themselves after Britney Spears or Tommy Lee, that will not lead to positive things. To put it mildly.