I have no problem leaving the artist's personal life behind when it comes to appreciating their art.
Can I look at paintings by Hitler or Gacy and appreciate the artistry? - in theory, yes, but neither was much of an artist. I love and still listen, on occasion, to Gary Glitter's music and have no issue watching Salva's films. Remember also, that Gary Glitter and Victor Salva were not the only people involved in the creation of their music and films. You are dismissing the work of others in a knee-jerk reaction to one offender. If this is the case, why not write off films where the key grip was an offender or music where the accordion player was an offender? Because you don't hear about it? Well does that mean it is less of an crime than when someone in the limelight does it? Reject a Polanski film and perhaps you have a duty to research everyone involved in every film you ever watch to see if they offend your sensibilities. Perhaps it is safer just to reject all art in case it is made by a criminal not yet uncovered?
Perhaps I value art too highly or forgive too easily, but it simply is not an issue to me.
What if tomorrow it was found out that the director of your favourite film had been a child abuser/murderer/fascist/etc? Does that film suddenly become rubbish overnight? Can you really lose all the love you had for it in the blink of an eye? I cannot comprehend that.
This is just my view. Please read Paul's final paragraph in his original post.
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