March 19, 2025
By Janset Çinaz
Copy Editor
Engaging with the art of a flawed creator is a complicated issue with no easy answer. While everyone makes mistakes, the stakes are higher for artists whose work is out in the world for everyone to see.
However, enjoying a piece of art doesn’t mean you agree with the artist’s harmful actions. You can appreciate a work’s creativity, emotional power or skill without celebrating the person who made it.
A notable example is actor Johnny Depp. In 2022, Depp’s legal battle with his former wife Amber Heard involved mutual domestic violence allegations. Although Depp won his defamation lawsuit, the trial revealed disturbing details about his relationship.
Despite the accusations against him, Depp remains one of Hollywood’s most influential actors. He brought unforgettable and classic characters like Captain Jack Sparrow and Willy Wonka to life, and his contributions to adventure and fantasy films have helped shape modern media.
While it is easy to feel guilty about supporting an artist who has committed wrongful actions, it is necessary to remember that art exists independently of its creator.
The value of an album, movie or painting is not always connected to a set of actions or beliefs, so enjoying art does not indicate approval of the artist’s negative behavior.
The way one interprets art is personal. If a movie, show or song brings comfort during tough times or a painting inspires reflection, it’s okay to embrace that experience regardless of the artist’s flaws.
It is also important to recognize that most art is collaborative, with many people contributing to the final product, even though only one name is credited.
For example, a movie requires the involvement of actors, a crew, directors, editors and writers. When an artist acts unethically and viewers boycott the art, that affects the livelihoods of everyone involved in creating that product. The art reflects the collective effort involved in its creation, rather than an individual’s output.
Some works of art have had a massive impact on culture or history, making them impossible to ignore.
If a movie, show or song brings comfort during tough times or a painting inspires reflection, it’s okay to embrace that experience regardless of the artist’s flaws.
Unfortunately, the past is full of creators–including painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso, singer Michael Jackson and author J.K. Rowling–who were problematic in some way. Nonetheless, their work still brought meaning to people’s lives. If the public rejected all art created by flawed individuals, there would be little art left to enjoy.
Separating the art from the artist allows audiences to appreciate a work’s creativity, emotional impact and skill without indicating support for the individual behind it.
Art is more than its creator. It is about the impact it has on society, and that is what makes it precious and timeless.
