When a beloved artist—such as a musician, author, director, or actor—faces scandal or public disgrace, the impact on their audience can be profound. For the fans of the artist, it raises a difficult question: should the artist’s actions or beliefs influence the view of their art?

Once a work of art is created, it has a meaning that goes beyond what the artist intended. In this sense, some argue that the piece should be judged independently based on its cultural, emotional, or aesthetic impact, rather than being tied to its creator. While the artist’s purpose may be influenced by their personal life or values, your connection with the work might be entirely different. By focusing on your own interpretation, you can distance the work from the creator’s actions. Additionally, art is a collaborative process involving multiple creators from producers and editors to actors and technicians. If separating the art from the artist feels difficult, it may help to remember that the piece is often the result of many people’s contributions. 

On the other hand, some believe art is a reflection of the artist’s worldview, morals, and experiences. Many share the view that an artist’s work cannot be completely separated from who they are. If the artist’s behavior or beliefs are problematic or harmful, people can see this as tainting the art itself. There’s also an ethical question: by consuming or supporting the work of an artist with a problematic history, are you implicitly endorsing their behavior? A great deal of people feel that continuing to celebrate art from controversial creators gives them power, visibility, and financial support, which may perpetuate harmful actions or messages.

Separating the art from the artist is a personal choice, and it varies from person to person. While some people find that it allows them to continue enjoying a piece of art despite the creator’s flaws, others feel that the awareness of the artist’s personal life adds conflicting thoughts, turning what was once enjoyment into discomfort. Whether or not you can admire the art versus the artist depends on the context, your personal values, and the extent to which you believe the creator’s actions influence their work.