In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana discuss a difficult question: Can you separate the art from the artist? Sometimes, famous singers, writers, or actors do bad things or share opinions that hurt other people. Andrew and Indiana talk about if it is OK to still enjoy their music, books, or movies when this happens.

By listening to this conversation, you will learn useful vocabulary to talk about controversy and personal values. This lesson will help you practice listening to natural English conversations and express your own thoughts about famous people who make bad choices.

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Fun Fact

Did you know that the popular word “canceled” actually comes from a 1991 movie? In the film New Jack City, a gangster gets angry at his girlfriend and tells someone to “cancel” her. Years later, people on social media started using this exact word to say they will stop supporting famous people who make bad choices. It shows how a simple movie line can grow into a word that everyone uses to talk about problematic artists today.

Expression list

problematic
separate the art from the artists
clear-cut
blanket statement
to own up to
boycotting