Can you separate the Art from the Artist?

[Buckeyeblue]

8. I think you have to within reason

Meaning, if they have been convicted of a crime, especially something that harms another person, then I figure that into how I judge their art.

For someone like Michael Jackson who has been accused but not convicted (and who is dead and cannot defend himself), I don't pay much attention. To me the recent accusations are too easy. And I'm skeptical. And I'm skeptical of parents who seemingly give him unlimited access to their kids. Who does that? Which makes it more difficult for me to believe their stories.

As far as older artist who we know to have racist, sexist and/or antisemitic views: I chalk that up to the general ignorance of the time. Even the most brilliant artist can be ignorant. Art is about creating meaning from nothing. The artist is judged on that, not on being the most intelligent person in the room.