Celebrity controversies have plagued consumer content for decades but no one seems to know the answer to the question “Should we separate the art from the artist?” People who answer no to the question believe that once a public figure does something deemed wrong or controversial they as a person, as well as the content they have produced, should be rejected from society or in modern day terms ‘canceled.’ On the other hand, those who answer yes to the question believe that it is ok to still consume and support the art, they just do not support the artist. The question has been applied to countless forms of media creators including music artists, authors, actors, and more. 
JK Rowling–author of the incredibly popular ‘Harry Potter’ series–found herself under major questioning after she responded to a Tweet with the wording “people who menstruate” with insensitivity. Rowling found an issue with this wording claiming that it was the erasure of womanhood instead of the visibility of trans people. This then caused people to look within her literature where they found a lack of diverse characters, in both race and sexuality. Rowling’s case is one of separating art from the artist as thousands still read and watch ‘Harry Potter’ related content, but many have found themselves purchasing the media second hand as to not directly support her.
The principle of separating the art from the artist can also be applied to R&B artist Chris Brown. Brown first brought himself into the pool of celebrity controversy when he plead guilty to assaulting Rihanna in 2009. Since then he has extended his list of delinquency, and despite this Brown has managed to stay on the charts and even have incredibly successful tours such as his most recent 11:11 tour. Brown is a perfect example of separating the art from the artist, but only for a certain period of time. It seems Brown’s misconduct has faded into the past and fans will continue to idolize him as well as consume his content first hand.
This argument can also be applied to actor Brad Pitt who carried abuse allegations against his ex-wife Angelina Jolie. The couple is still in an ongoing legal battle regarding their winery, but many of their children seem to be taking their mother’s side as three have dropped the ‘Pitt’ from the last name Jolie-Pitt. Since his divorce, Pitt has starred in many successful movies including “Bullet Train” and upcoming movie “F1”. Pitt’s case seems to be leaning towards not separating the art from the artist, as fans are not exactly eager to see him in the spotlight. Despite his lack of relevancy and his ongoing controversy, efforts by the public are not really being taken to remove him from Hollywood.
The truth is, the question is not a yes or no answer, it’s a personal one. In many cases art cannot be separated from the artist as it was a creation of their own mind. But can’t one appreciate the song “Gold Digger” by Kanye West but not appreciate him as a person? That’s why it’s a personal question. It is up to the individual to determine how far is too far. Though there are compromises in the sense that it is possible to consume the content second hand through thrift stores. When consuming content by controversial figures it is essential to do research to determine whether it is best to consume the content first hand, second hand, or not at all.
