Can you separate art from the artist?

[judd]

Are you able to separate art you enjoy from an artist you are uncomfortable with.  I recently discovered a YouTube series which was produced a few years ago.  It's a family friendly fantasy show and I thought it was well written, produced, acted and directed.  I was surprised how good it was.  The stories and characters had substance to them.  I did a little research and it turns out the lead has been out of work for some time because a number of women have accused him of sexual harassment.  It shouldn't but it put me off the series.
One of my favorite super hero shows is Smallville and now I find it hard to watch.  I don't find Bill Cosby entertaining anymore.
What are your thoughts on this?

[Dr.Terror]

Unless its something like Gary Glitter, I normally can.   

[marsattacks666]

I was going to write a response to this question. However.....honestly. There is no right answer.
There are many films that have cause debate among film fans. For example, Jeepers Creepers and Victor Salva. Too much controversy over that particular film.

[Mike Scott]

Even though Walter Brennan was a horrendous racist, I still enjoy "Red River".

[judd]

Some Harry Potter fans have been put off by some of JK Rowling's political/social views.
H.G. Wells's views of the world would be highly frowned upon today.  I wouldn't want to rid the world of the wizarding world or the works of H.G. Wells.

[Dr.Terror]

I dont mind if creators have a view I dont share, so long as its not present in the work itself.

[Sir Masksalot]

My favorite performers are all long dead and I don't follow the private lives
of any current celebrities so it's no effort whatsoever to separate them from
their work. Nowadays, I think there are way too many famous persons who
aren't talented enough to maintain their fame but that's a different topic.

[judd]

One of my favorite shows I grew up with and still follow today is Doctor Who.  Noel Clark was in the early episodes of the current series.  He been accused of terrible behavior and back in the original series, the sixth Doctor was in an entertaining sketch with Jimmy Saville.
It makes fans consider things.

[John Pertwee]

One of my favorite shows I grew up with and still follow today is Doctor Who.  Noel Clark was in the early episodes of the current series.  He been accused of terrible behavior and back in the original series, the sixth Doctor was in an entertaining sketch with Jimmy Saville.
It makes fans consider things.

If we were going to ignore episodes of Doctor Who based on the actions of those involved, we lose Hartnell, Pertwee, the last 4th Doctor season and all of the 5th, 6th and 7th Doctors as well. Captain Jack is gone as well, along with so many other extended universe stories in book and audio form. I think it is up to the individual. If you can enjoy it without the association to the makers and actors past misdeeds, no problem. I don't fault anyone for listening to music from Gary Glitter or watching The Cosby show, it is something I choose not to do as well. But I also don't fault anyone that avoids Torchwood because of John Barrowman. Inform me, but don't shame me if I choose to still enjoy something.

[skully]

I can still watch the opening scene of Easy Rider with Phil Spector along with a smile with his "wall of Sound' early songs and the memories they bring, and I liked Robert Blake in Baretta, along with some of his other stuff.  He actually had one heck of a time trying to get out of his character that he portrayed in the chilling movie "In Cold Blood",  I believe as the story goes he had to seek professional help for it. I truly believe very few can escape the saying "pure as the driven snow".  Actors with their acting and artists with their paintings are meant for an escape for us, or to make us see in a different light , what they have done outside of their talents is totally on it's own.

[michblk]

I was going to write a response to this question. However.....honestly. There is no right answer.
There are many films that have cause debate among film fans. For example, Jeepers Creepers and Victor Salva. Too much controversy over that particular film.

Mars, I struggle with this at times, espcially having some friends that worked in some of the movies.  I want to support their work.  Salva, Bryan Singer are 2 examples.  I like the movies but hate what the director has done.

Brian K

[Hepcat]

Given the fact that I do it all the time, it seems I can.

Unless its something like Gary Glitter, I normally can.

Hey, twas a good track nonetheless!

Rock and Roll (Part 1 and 2)

[marsattacks666]

I forgot to mention, Brian Peck, Jeffrey Jones and Harvey Weinstein. All of which are disgusting and have done reprehensible behavior.

Unfortunately. They all are part of films and film history that I watch.

[judd]

I find the film Superman Returns to be quite entertaining.  I don't like Kevin Spacey.  I have a mixed reaction when I view the film now.

[judd]

The new Flash film is going to be difficult for WB to promote and release.