Separating Art from Artist Perpetuates Problems

By Mimi Lebeau ‘24
On October 8, famous hip-hop artist Kanye West tweeted, “I'm a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I'm going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE The funny thing is I actually can't be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda,” after being forced to take down an Instagram post containing an antisemitic joke. He was temporarily banned from both Twitter and Instagram.

Furthermore, Kanye praised Hitler and the Nazis on various public platforms including Twitter (after regaining access to his account) and podcasts, defending their disgusting actions.  
West’s antisemitic statements, along with his refusal to apologize or retract them, should cause listeners to question whether they can still listen to and enjoy his music without also backing his personal views. 
With such a culturally influential figure, it is disturbing to see targeted hate so outwardly broadcasted, and as a Jew, seeing blatant antisemitism from an artist I enjoy is extremely scary and disappointing, and it is hard for me to reconcile my appreciation of his music with his ignorant and baseless comments. 
Celebrities, with their massive public platforms, must be responsible for using their influence for good, yet as West’s recent bigotry and bias show, their actions do not always merit an idol status.  
Popular indie artist Rex Orange County was recently charged with six counts of sexual assault; formerly a relatable figure, his wholesome image has been shattered.  
Though it is evident that both Kanye and Rex Orange County are abominable human beings, fans are left wondering whether a distinction can be made between the artist and their art.
As a fan of both artists, it is hard cutting their songs out of my playlists, yet, it is impossible to listen to their music without thinking about their antisemitic remarks or sexual assault convictions, respectively. 
Unlike in the past, when listeners would directly support artists by buying their records physically, today, most listeners use digital platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music. Since listeners are not directly financing these immoral artists, many believe that they can still listen to these musicians in good conscience.
But every small stream is still a sign of approval, and the artist profits from them collectively, allowing them to carry on hateful behavior without any financial downturn. Without any repercussions for their actions, their followers are also put under the impression that these types of wrongdoings are somehow permissible
Since Kanye made his antisemitic tweet and post, pictures have surfaced of people carrying or hanging large signs featuring slogans like “Kanye is right about the Jews.” Clearly, celebrities have an extreme sway over our society; therefore, it is our responsibility as listeners (and with Kanye, simply as Jews), not to let unethical artists get away with their wrongdoings. 
Either by reducing the time we spend listening to these artists or by speaking out against them, we must penalize stars for, thereby influencing fans not to act like their idols. As consumers, we have the power to either support or condemn poor behavior just through what we listen to. 
Despite their wealth and influence, celebrities are human and deserve to face the consequences of their actions like anyone else. Just as it is unacceptable for an average person to be antisemitic, celebrities should not get off easy solely based on status.  
But the question of supporting offensive artists extends further than the music we listen to, and to form a more equitable society, it must extend to holding anyone, regardless of wealth, fame or social status, accountable for their mistakes.