ACCOUNTABILITY: Should an artist’s personal life influence the way their art is viewed?
By Shelbie Nelson, Staff Writer
In today’s world, it is common for an artist in the spotlight to get caught in an avalanche of accusations. Allegations ranging from sexual harassment to domestic violence have historically affected artists’ careers in major ways. However, there is a huge distinction between accusation and conviction that is often ignored. Anyone can come forward with allegations against someone, but it is less common that those claims are proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
From actors like Bill Cosby to singers like R. Kelly, America has witnessed one victim turn into multiple in the blink of an eye. These accusations are given credibility even before they have been proven to be true. In today’s society, people are often quick to place blame and believe those who come forward as victims. A majority of the time, the artists negatively brought into the headlines experience losing their sense of livelihood. The many directors, singers, actors, and comedians accused of horrible crimes like sexual abuse lose their jobs and future opportunities even before the accusations are proven in court.
Kelly is one of the most recent examples of losing everything due to the allegations he now faces. Artists that previously collaborated with him like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga have begun the process of removing their songs from all streaming platforms. These repercussions have caused R. Kelly to lose money, as well as exposure. Not only will his previous works be affected, but following his recent allegations, finding new artists willing to collaborate with him will be a challenge, to say the least.
Chris Brown, accused and convicted of domestic violence charges against his then-girlfriend Rihanna, still deals with the repercussions of his actions. His history of domestic violence dates back to 2009 and is still a major topic of conversation to this day. Over time, this crime has evolved from a serious issue to something that is brushed under the rug or even as a comedy act. Although he was rightfully convicted has Rihanna’s case was proven to be true in addition to his guilty plea, many fans still support his music.
When is it appropriate to separate an artist from their art? First, the accusations should be proven completely. It is easy to form an allegation against someone but whether proving those allegations are accurate and true is a whole different story. Comedian and actor Bill Cosby, someone who has been rightfully convicted of the allegations against him, experience the downfall of his career and reputation. People were very quick to turn against not only him but also his comedy acts, TV shows, and movies. What is the difference between someone like Bill Cosby and Chris Brown? Sure, Bill Cosby has had more allegations, but domestic violence and sexual abuse are both forms of abuse and should be considered equally as serious.
Linebacker Brian Banks spent over five years in a jail cell in addition to his five years on strict parole until the rape charges against him were dropped in 2012 because his ‘victim’ admitted to lying about the whole thing. Banks had many opportunities taken away from him, and his reputation was shattered all because of one false allegation. If the accuser would have been required to completely prove her case beyond a reasonable doubt, the damage to Banks and his career could have been avoided completely. Even following false accusations, many still paint Banks as a criminal.
Does a crime make an artists music less enjoyable or a comedy act less humorous? Many people enjoyed R. Kelly’s songs or watching Brian Banks play football, all until someone came forward claiming they committed a crime they very well may not have committed. Even just one allegation can change how someone looks at the works of a celebrity whether they are a singer, actor, athlete, movie star, or a famous personality. But one’s personal issues are not what makes their art likable and should be kept separate from the art itself.