I recently discovered a music artist. I like their music, but as I looked them up I learned that they are in prison for aggravated sexual assault of a child.

I was going to get rid of all of his songs on my computer, but then I thought about it. Should I get rid of the music, even though I like it, but not so sure about the artist?

I mean, I don't like Michael Jackson because of what he did, but their are other artists that have done things I don't agree with, such as robberies, drug dealing, etc. but, I still listen to their music. What makes them any different?

What do you do in such situations?

I have the same issue with Lauryn Hill and her racism.... I do still listen to her music some times though.

i say it depends on what you believe in... things and people i dont like for whatever reason, i don't buy their products. if i don't pay for it, i don't have a problem with it.

I also thing it depends on how strongly you feel about the issue. If it were something I'm really against then I wouldn't be supporting them by buy there product.

They say a person's anger, unusual beliefs or off-centered thinking is what makes them a great artist.

I would buy that argument if it meant I wasn't supporting them by spending my money on their success. When I think of the Mel Gibson's of the entertainment world, I do a self-boycott in regards to their work. It makes me kind of ill supporting such ignorance and anger.

I also believe in "live and let live" so if I can enjoy entertainment created by d-bags without spending money on the venue, I guess I can live with that BUT I would never own, dowload or possess their work either. In other words, if I heard music or saw a commercial by an idiot, I wouldn't start a starvation campaign to end their existence; I’d ignore them.

Had the same problem with R Kelly.

What to do?

When I hear his music I get grossed out sometimes.

I guess you have to respond to what makes you feel like you are doing the right thing.

simple for me, I seperate the art from the artist. I am not going to marry, date, or even meet the person so they have no impact on my life,, however, if their MUSIC uplifts me or brings joy , excitement , happiness into my life,, IM gonna keep buying it.


there are many artists who have done or said things I dont like but whose music I enjoy, just like there are many others I think are great people but whose music sucks. I buy music I like,,,simple.

I can see why people would rob, steal, sell drugs, etc. It's not something I agree with, but I can see why people do those things.

But, there's no excuse for child molestation or anything like that.

What makes them any different?


IT DOESN'T ...


As a a parent my perspective is a bit more 'watchdog' and because I am an example who my kids are constantly watching, I try as hard as possible to embrace (& that includes $$) what supports morality and integrity.

Buying someone's product who's lifestyle goes against everything I want my/their character to reflect would be totally hypocritical & defeat the purpose.

That doesn't make it easy sometimes, but it's the right thing to do.

I could agree with this but where it breaks down for me is that I dont presume to know anyone elses lifestyle, certainly not just off of what media chooses to report. I dont presume that anyone will be perfect so when the media does report about something someone says or does that I dont condone, I dont jump to condemning that person and their whole life because of it.

I dont know these people, if they are producing something I like, I will buy it....with the exception being some DIRECT and VERIFIED link between the money I am paying and some harm coming to someone else, like certain companies which use sweatshops. But artists are completely different, because that money not only goes to them but to thousands of others who work on creating, packaging, and selling their product.

Could not agree with you more on this ..



Putting a dime in their pocket is despicable .. just like they are.

My stance is not only with their lifestyle, but with their lyrics.

As to the media .. I could not agree with you more. Of course that is for anyone the media tries to burn at the stake .. be it good or bad dirt they tend to throw

oh yeah, I am a songwriter/singer and I definitely dont spend money if I dont like the lyrics,,lol

I have struggled with the same question. There are some artists where I won't watch their films, listen to their music or visit their art exhibits because on past crimes and ethical choices. I am selective based only on my own morals.

BUT, when it comes to crimes against children and especially sexual crimes, I must take a zero tolerance stance. There is a tremendous amount of good art out there so I would never miss their work.
However, I do not judge or condemn anyone who continues to enjoy these works of art. That is a personal choice.

I will say again, when it comes to crimes against children and especially sexual crimes, I must take a zero tolerance stance.

I respect that,,kudos to you


I just see the moviemaking and music making process as more than a one man deal,,,so many people are involved in and count on income from that cd or that movie, that I cant quite jump to boycotting the whole product because ONE of the people involved doesnt fit my personal moral code


I was gonna forego seeing Salt for that same reason, dont care for what Angelina did with brad and generally dont care for her roles either,,,but then, my brother is a screenwriter/actor/director, and I Realize that seeing that move is not about supporting angelina but also about supporting the person who wrote the script, the other actors and actresses, the staff,,etc,,,,

Good point

Excellent point that I never gave much thought to before now.
I have learned and will practice this new viewpoint from this day forward.

Thank-you msharmony

I divorced a child molester, Zero tolerence for me as well! If I could I'd have cut his thing off. In your situation I would delete it all, as close to cutting of his as is possible.

There is a very fine line between genious and insanity........

That is just horrible. I can't imagine how you must have felt after finding this out.