A new psychological study examining so-called “cancel culture” and its effects on artistic reputations found that respondents reacted more harshly to an artist accused of sexual assault (SA) than to one accused of murder.
The findings suggest that allegations of sexual assault can trigger a more punitive response than even the accusation of homicide, at least among the people surveyed. The study focused on how moral judgments shape public reactions to artists facing serious wrongdoing.
Researchers behind the study explored how different types of accusations influence perceptions of an artist’s work and standing. In this case, the responses indicated that sexual assault allegations led to stronger condemnation and a greater willingness to reject the artist.
The result adds another layer to ongoing debates over cancel culture and the standards audiences apply when separating art from the behavior of its creators. It also highlights how certain accusations may carry especially powerful social consequences for artists.
