I’m really wrestling with the question of whether it’s okay ethically or morally to patronize an artist who is a bad person because you enjoy their art. This question comes to me from time to time, especially with music, books, and movies. I suppose it is a matter of personal morality, really. The reason I struggle with questions like this is because I am not comfortable making decisions most of the time because I second-guess and argue with myself.

I won’t listen to Chris Brown music and all, nor will I listen to R. Kelly or watch Lars von Trier movies. I have generally turned the channel when the new Kanye music has come on lately. I don’t enjoy a lot of the art from people I think are terrible, so most of the time this doesn’t pose a problem: I don’t like Ted Nugent, Ann Coulter, or Dinesh D’Souza’s work, so I don’t have any qualms about not listening or reading or viewing their work. But Sherman Alexie is one of my favorite authors. I liked Kanye’s music. Is that okay anymore?

The question reignited because of XXXTentacion’s death today and the resulting discussion online. Some of my students liked his music, so I listened to a few songs. They weren’t that great, but they were okay. Then I learned about the allegations of brutal domestic violence and I wouldn’t listen to him anymore, even in passing. His music, however, brought a lot of people happiness and many are mourning this loss. I don’t hold that against them.

However, I’m wishing for peace for his victim and other victims of domestic violence and abuse tonight. His victim has been harassed, stalked, and forced offline and out of jobs because of his fans, not to mention the trauma and abuse she suffered at his hands. She must feel so many mixed emotions tonight. I’m holding her in my heart tonight.