Chikita:
“I’m about the music. What the people do in their private lives does not affect me. I couldn’t care less about what they do in their private lives. If they are a negative influence, they will be held accountable. If they are a positive influence, they will reap the benefits. But when it comes to artists, I am just here for their product. It’s about the music, or the movie, or the painting for me. That is what I support. I will say, if the offense goes against my value system, I will abandon them.”
Stacy:
“I think for me it depends on what the issue is. You look at other situations, like an accident—if someone got into a car accident or honestly made a mistake. With Diddy, this wasn’t a mistake, right? So, in this situation, personally, I can’t separate the action from the artist. You know, if someone were to drink too much and then get in a car, that is different compared to something like what just happened, and it all came to light and is front and center for me.”
Sophie
“People are not perfect. We make mistakes and bad decisions. I am not here to judge anyone. A person’s consequences will answer the question of accountability. Will I continue support of an artist’s mistakes? That depends on the mistake. Violence against women or any human can make this a difficult decision on whether I change the station.”
Helen:
“It depends on the transgression. I do not support violence. If an artist is violent, I find it difficult to support them if they are found guilty. I do not condone violence in any form or fashion. Artists and media place themselves on pedestals, lofty highs, and when they fall, it is expected that their fans are the safety net. There are some who support wholeheartedly, unconditionally—music and art have that effect on people. Then there are critical thinkers who weigh in on whether that public figure should continue to have our blessings and support.”
James:
“For the most part, yes. And the reason why I say that is that it depends on the type of allegation that is being accused. Our classic example, R. Kelly, what he did was wrong, but I can still say his music at that time was still a phenomenal piece of work, and just like anything else I can always remember a good moment that I had in my life in connection with that music, but I also didn’t know all of what was going on. If you were to ask me about what Diddy did, then I would tell you yeah, that is absolutely wrong, and he should be punished for that, but if he were to put out more music, I probably would be bobbing my head still.”
Damian:
“Whether I like to admit it or not, when an entertainer faces legal issues, I can separate their art from who they are, despite what legal issues or scandals they may face. The impact their art has on me, and the way I can directly apply it and use it in my own life has no correlation to their personal scandal. If I am using what they created as a medium for fun, positivity, or healing as music does, why should I feel guilty for it?”