‘Cancelling’ R Kelly and other ‘monsters’ in music: Who deserves airplay?
R&B singer R Kelly has been found guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering, sparking debate about what happens to his musical legacy.
The 54-year-old targeted, groomed and exploited young women and men and now faces decades in prison.
Whilst the allegations have been public knowledge for two decades, R Kelly has since performed at some of the world’s largest music and sporting events.
Former arts editor for The Australian and author of On Artists Ashleigh Wilson told Joe Hildebrand the campaign to deplatform him is not new, but has picked up steam in the ‘Me Too’ era.
“As a fan, you have to come to terms with his personal life, and make some adjustment in your mind to the relationship between that and his music.
“Sometimes he draws the two very closely together.
“Whether his music endures really depends on the … quality of the music itself.”
Press PLAY below to hear their discussion of the moral dilemma
Image: Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images