Bhanu Pratap Yadav
Professor Cassandra Yatron
English 1301
April 30, 2025
When Art Isn’t Just Art: The Harm of Supporting Toxic Creators
On any given day, college students at UTA scroll through Spotify playlists, binge trending Netflix shows, and reread books that shaped their childhood. But what happens when the creators of these beloved works are exposed for harmful actions like racism, abuse, or transphobia? As these revelations become more public and frequent, the question becomes unavoidable: Should we still support artists whose actions contradict the values we claim to hold? Our generation, growing up in the age of social awareness and digital activism, cannot afford to be passive consumers. The influence of the media on public opinion is profound; what we choose to consume shapes social norms. Supporting problematic creators sends a mixed message about what we value more, entertainment or ethics. If we fail to take a stand, we silently condone the actions of these individuals. Moreover, continuing to consume their content keeps them relevant in popular culture, which can silence victims and derail progress. Our choices must reflect our principles in a society striving for equality and justice. That includes questioning whether the art we love is worth the harm it may perpetuate. If people continue supporting artists with harmful actions, it enables further harmful actions, normalizes toxicity, and discourages meaningful societal change.
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To begin, supporting artists who have committed serious harm gives them power to continue their behavior. David Oliver, in his USA Today article, explains how Morgan Wallen was caught using a racial slur on video, yet still saw his career flourish. "Wallen apologized, and his career has since skyrocketed," Oliver writes. Instead of being held accountable, Wallen received more attention, radio play, and fan support. This is not an isolated case. The same pattern appears with artists like Matty Healy, who has made repeated racist and misogynistic comments but remains popular. Fans’ continued support sends a message that harmful behavior is not only tolerated but rewarded. This enables the cycle of harm to continue without consequence. Artists are often treated as untouchable due to their fame, and fan loyalty can create a shield around them. This protection allows them to avoid facing the social and financial repercussions of their behavior.
Additionally, the media can play a role in downplaying or sensationalizing such incidents, further muddying public response. Even when apologies are made, they are frequently seen as performative rather than sincere. Without consistent consequences, other creators may also feel emboldened to act similarly. Accountability must come from all sides: audiences, industry leaders, and media platforms. Breaking the cycle starts with withdrawing the support that allows toxic behavior to thrive. For college students like us, who are not just consumers but future leaders, supporting these artists sends a message about the kind of culture we're willing to accept or change. If we don't take a stand now, we risk normalizing harmful behavior in the spaces we will soon lead, whether in media, education, or business.
Furthermore, when problematic artists remain in the spotlight, they normalize toxicity. Gwendolyn Ibarra in The Harvard Crimson explains how fans continued to celebrate Rick and Morty even after its creator, Justin Roiland, faced domestic violence charges and disturbing allegations involving minors. Despite these serious accusations, the show remained widely viewed and its merchandise continued to sell. Ibarra also mentions Azealia Banks and J.K. Rowling, two figures who have made transphobic and homophobic remarks but continue to have large fan bases. This normalization can desensitize the public to the severity of these issues. When celebrities are excused from accountability, their views and actions gain legitimacy in the eyes of some fans. What should be condemned becomes familiar and eventually accepted. The repetition of such cases builds a culture of indifference. Fans might start to view charges as just another headline rather than a serious issue. When famous people repeatedly "bounce back" from scandal, it tells the public that fame trumps ethics. This can be especially harmful to young audiences who may idolize these creators without fully understanding the impact of their actions. Moreover, the glamorization of controversy can lead to dangerous patterns in entertainment where shock value replaces integrity. As long as toxic figures are rewarded with attention, their influence will continue to spread, shaping values in damaging ways.We choose who gets seen, heard, and remembered. If we elevate the wrong voices, we risk turning harmful behavior into mainstream influence. It is up to us to break this harmful pattern by choosing which voices we elevate
Moreover, continuing to support harmful artists discourages the type of accountability that fosters real change. Oliver suggests that we replace "cancel culture" with "accountability culture," a concept that emphasizes growth over erasure. Yet growth cannot happen if fans never demand it. If an artist is defended endlessly or if their work overshadows their wrongdoing, they have no reason to reflect or make amends. Gwendolyn Ibarra writes, "Attempts for reentry into respective art scenes post-cancellation or call-out often double down on the flawed perspectives rather than address the inner reflection which must take place." She points out that while artists should be allowed to grow, that growth must begin with facing consequences. Without public pressure and accountability, the cycle of harm simply repeats. Our cultural habits play a role in whether that cycle continues. True transformation requires discomfort and introspection, which rarely happen when fame remains untouched. Without meaningful accountability, apologies are hollow, and promises to change go unfulfilled. The public has the right and responsibility to demand better from those in the spotlight. This does not mean completely erasing an artist’s work, but it does require drawing ethical lines. Supporting creators who refuse to evolve sends a message that morality is optional. By encouraging artists to take responsibility, we foster an environment that prioritizes respect, empathy, and justice. When we ignore wrongdoing, we become part of the problem instead of the solution.
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Some argue that art should be separated from the artist, as long as we critically acknowledge the creator’s flaws. Lauren Hernandez in The Paisano argues that enjoying the music of Courtney Love or reading J.K. Rowling’s books does not necessarily mean endorsing their harmful views. She suggests that if fans approach these works with a critical lens and stay educated on the artists’ misdeeds, they can still find value in the art. This is an important point. Not all art must be erased, and not all support is blind. However, there is a difference between analyzing older art in a classroom and continuing to stream or buy music that puts money directly into a harmful artist’s hands today. In the digital age, support is financial and cultural. Engaging with problematic creators fuels their influence. A critical lens alone is not enough if it still empowers harmful individuals.
It’s important to remember that separating art from the artist is easier said than done, especially when the artist continues to profit from that art. Every click, stream, or ticket sale can translate into revenue and renewed fame. Even if one’s intention is critical reflection, the outcome may still reinforce the artist’s platform. Moreover, for victims or marginalized communities, continued celebration of such creators can be deeply hurtful. While appreciation of art is subjective, ethical consumption is a collective responsibility. Supporting less harmful alternatives or uplifting emerging voices can provide the same inspiration without compromising values. Ultimately, the choice to consume responsibly is a powerful form of activism.
At UTA, where students represent diverse communities and are encouraged to think critically, this conversation is more relevant than ever. What we watch, listen to, and buy matters. Supporting artists with harmful actions not only empowers them to continue harming but also shapes the values of the culture we are a part of. Instead of separating art from artist without question, we should ask: What does our support say about us? And who does it hurt? College is not just a place to gain knowledge, but also to form moral and ethical frameworks that guide our future choices. As Mavericks, we are taught to think independently and advocate for justice. This means confronting uncomfortable truths, even when they challenge our favorite media. In classrooms, student organizations, and online communities, we have opportunities to lead by example. Disengaging from toxic creators can inspire others to reflect on their habits. It also sends a signal to the industries that promote them that consumers demand accountability. Cultural change begins with personal action, and that action starts now on campus and beyond.
In conclusion, if people continue to support artists with harmful actions, they risk enabling more harm, spreading toxic beliefs, and blocking the cultural change our generation needs. Accountability doesn’t mean erasing artists’ entire careers; it means recognizing when our praise is misplaced. UTA students and all consumers have power. By choosing to support creators who align with our values, we send a message: that talent is not an excuse for abuse, and that art should uplift, not oppress our voices, wallets, and screens are tools of influence in the digital age. Every playlist we curate or show we recommend can either uplift inclusive values or reinforce harmful ones. Instead of supporting creators who perpetuate harm, we can champion new artists who reflect our striving for diversity and progress. This is not about being perfect consumers, but conscious ones. We owe it to ourselves, our communities, and future generations to cultivate a culture where integrity and creativity go hand in hand. The art we choose to support becomes a reflection of the world we want to build. Let’s make that world better, together.
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