It’s 9 a.m., and I’m sitting in the library during my free period when the viral sound of podcast influencer Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia’s TikTok “storytime” floods the room. My peers are listening intently to the horrors LaPaglia recounts about her abusive relationship with country music star Zach Bryan. LaPaglia recently came forward claiming that she declined Bryan’s $12 million nondisclosure agreement after their breakup to speak up for those who have been emotionally abused or silenced. “That’s terrible,” a student says, with brows furrowed in concern.
But it doesn’t even take a few days before I hear Bryan’s discography playing from those very same phones.
I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable. Why the sudden disconnect? How could they empathize with someone’s pain, only to turn around and support the person who perpetuated that harm? The infamous saying “separate the art from the artist” itched the back of my brain. The phrase now appears to me as a moral get-out-of-jail-free card to continue enjoying the work of somebody who has done harm.
Although Bryan’s recent scandal has made great waves in the media, countless other famous artists continue to receive the same forgiving treatment from society, including Kanye West, Bob Marley, Gwen Stefani and Eminem. Yet, net worths for these individuals range from the tens of millions to over a billion dollars and these accusations seem to do little to alter the size of their fanbase.
This isn’t just about “cancel culture” to dethrone rich artists. Imagine navigating a world where public figures make prejudiced comments that directly offend you. When their work is loudly projected at school, parties or movie theaters, it mocks an endorsement of those remarks. It may not be a personal attack, but it could feel like one.
Separating the art from the artist is, ultimately, a moral cop-out. It’s the refusal to face the uncomfortable truth that, by continuing to financially support these artists, we are contributing to the harm they cause.
I understand the difficulty. It’s hard to let go of your favorite songs, albums or actors, especially if they’ve had a lasting impact on your life and mental health. If you find giving them up to be difficult, there are some ways to enjoy the art with limited contribution to the artist’s paycheck. Instead of blasting their music at full volume, you can download their songs offline, preventing the artists from profiting off your plays via streaming platforms. If you love a certain movie or TV show that has problematic elements, consider watching it on a third-party streaming site. Maybe only wear that one artist’s merchandise when you’re lounging at home and not walking around in public where you could be actively promoting them.
In a world where music and media consumption is off the charts, it’s important to take accountability for who we give platforms. So, when you may reflect on your 2024 Spotify Wrapped, take a moment to ask yourself: Who am I really supporting and what does that say about me?
