Why Are We Still Supporting Abusers?

TW: domestic violence, sexual violence

Johnny Depp recently signed a $20 million-plus fragrance deal with Dior (Siegel, 2023). This comes after numerous allegations against Depp of physical, emotional, domestic, and sexual abuse (Bernstein, 2023).

Jared Leto was a standout on the 2023 Met Gala red carpet (Marriott, 2023), after decades of sexual misconduct and predatory behavior (Gale, 2022).

Speaking of the Met Gala, Ansel Elgort walked the red carpet in 2022 (Bennett, 2022). In 2020, a woman named Gabby shared her story of being sexually assaulted by Elgort in 2014 when she was a minor.

Dr. Luke was named Pop Songwriter of the Year by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (Helfand, 2023). Maybe his work with major names in the music industry like Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj, and Kim Petras has made us forget, but in 2014, Kesha sued Dr. Luke for sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, civil harassment, violation of California’s laws against unfair business practices, infliction of emotional distress (both intentional and negligent), and negligent retention and supervision.

Everyone loves Brad Pitt. During the 2023 Golden Globes, Pitt was shouted out by numerous stars, including Austin Butler, Quinta Brunton, and Regina Hall (McArdle, 2023). Last year, actress Angelina Jolie detailed Pitt’s domestic violence throughout their marriage (Dalton, 2022). During one incident in 2016, after Pitt grabbed Angelina by the head and shook her, he choked one of their children and struck another when they tried to defend her.

Since the birth of the Me Too movement, dozens of powerful, wealthy men have been held accountable for their abuse. Think of Harvey Weinstein, Armie Hammer, Bill Cosby, or Jeffrey Epstein. But there have also been two other paths abusers take when accused of sexual violence.

One has been to hide from the spotlight, and perhaps, reappear when the dust has settled. Think of James Franco, Rex Orange County, or Aziz Ansari.

The other is to essentially ignore and outlast the accusations. Think of Brad Pitt, Jared Leto, or Johnny Depp.

My question is, why do we continue to support abusers?

One argument I’ve seen is to “separate the artist from their work”—differentiating one’s appreciation of an artist’s work from their contempt for the artist’s actions. Let’s use Rick and Morty’s Justin Roiland, who was recently charged with domestic violence, as an example (Thielman, 2023). Fans have found a sense of joy or escape in the show, and many cannot seem to let go of those feelings, even following Roiland’s charges.

An even more challenging and complex case is XXXTentacion. In X’s breakthrough year, 2017, he faced horrific allegations of domestic abuse by strangulation, false imprisonment, and aggravated battery of a pregnant woman (Revolt, 2017). When X passed away only one year later, listeners struggled to grapple with mourning. They didn’t know how to feel or grieve—this was a beloved musician whose life was unfairly taken away from him, but on the other hand, he was the perpetrator of pretty ruthless abuse.

The other argument that I’ve seen is “innocent until proven guilty,” also known in the legal system as the presumption of innocence. For me, it’s a gut instinct to side with survivors, regardless of any circumstantial factors or “lack of evidence.” I’d rather support a victim and be proven wrong than support a potential abuser. Nonetheless, many are quick to assume a celebrity is innocent.

Think about Rex Orange County. When his allegations surfaced, even with legal charges on the line, fans were quick to jump to his defense using the “innocent until proven guilty” standard. To fans, there was not enough evidence, there were no official charges yet, or perhaps, Rex simply could never and would never be capable of such a thing.

Both of these arguments are controversial and heavily debated, and yes, each is valid. Nonetheless, I have my own argument—ignorance.

When I was in middle school, I loved Melanie Martinez. I listened to all her music and even attended a show of hers with my friends. So, when allegations came to light of Melanie sexually assaulting her friend, I was quick to defend her. And I know I was not alone in that. I just couldn’t believe that an artist I loved (and when I say loved, I mean LOVED… I was in my crazy fangirl days), could do something like that.

Looking back, I understand why I reacted as I did. I felt connected to Melanie’s work, and because of that, I felt connected to her. But as much as I watched her music videos and listened to her discography, I didn’t know her character, and I most certainly did not know what happened between her and her alleged victim.

But as much as we want to hold onto our favorite celebrities, by continuing to support them and their careers, we’re denying the truth. And in many cases, we’re bolstering the careers of people who have misused and abused others to get to the top (cough cough… Jeffrey Epstein). Regardless of intent, we’re giving celebrities a free pass because… well… they’re celebrities. But what example does that set?

This isn’t to say “shame on you” to fans who have supported alleged abusers. These situations are complex and these conversations are multi-layered; it’s normal to feel hesitant, confused, or overwhelmed. But, for large corporations (i.e., Dior) who turn a blind eye and continue to give a platform to abusers, I will say—shame on you.

Sources:

Bennett, J. (2022, May 3). 'Shameless' alum Emma Kenney takes dig at Ansel Elgort after Met Gala 2022. Page Six.

Bernstein, D. (2023, January 25). How Johnny Depp Turned Abuse Allegations Into a Comeback. Ms. Magazine.

Dalton, A. (2022, October 5). Jolie details Brad Pitt abuse allegations in court filing. AP News.

Gale, A. (2022, April 4). Jared Leto Misconduct Allegations Resurface After Photo With Olivia Rodrigo. Newsweek.

Helfand, R. (2023, May 19). Dr. Luke named Songwriter of the Year amid litigation with Kesha. The FADER.

Marriott, H. (2023, May 2). The designers of Jared Leto's Met Gala look: 'He wanted it to be like a real cat'. The Guardian.

McArdle, T. (2023, January 11). Every Star Who Shouted Out Brad Pitt at the Golden Globes 2023: 'He's Right There!' People.

Revolt. (2017, September 8). XXXTentacion's alleged domestic abuse details is horrifying. Revolt TV.

Siegel, T. (2023, May 12). Johnny Depp Signs $20 Million-Plus Dior Deal, Marking the Biggest Men's Fragrance Pact Ever (EXCLUSIVE). Variety.

Thielman, S. (2023, March 23). What happens to Rick and Morty after Justin Roiland? Vox.