Member-only story
Can You Hate the Person and Still Love the Art?
On being continually disappointed by artists
It seems almost a weekly occurrence that we hear about yet another celebrity or artist who has severely transgressed against someone.
Sometimes it’s disappointing: accusations that a women felt pressured to be physical with Aziz Ansari. Sometimes it’s horrific: I’m looking at you, R. Kelly.
In the last year or two, it has been an endless cycle of celebrity men, even women, behaving badly. It usually results in fans having to participate in a full on boycott. No more movies. No more streaming. No more music. Concerts cancelled. Refunds given.
In most cases this hasn’t been a difficult reconciliation for me. The boycott doesn't really affect me as I never really invested much time in the artist.
Louis CK? Whatever. He’s funny but I can live without him. Kevin Spacey? I have admired his work but if I had to give up his movies I could probably move on with my life.
