When you find out an actor whose work you enjoy is blatantly racist and antisemitic in real life, does that realization ruin every movie they've been a part of?
What about an author who has expressed harmful opinions about a marginalized group? What about a smart, witty comedian who turns out to be a serial ******* ual ******* aulter? Where do you draw the line between a creator and their creation? As someone with his feet in both worlds, actor Wil Wheaton weighed in on that question and offered a refreshingly reasonable perspective back in 2021.
"Question: I have more of an opinion question for you. When fans of things hear about misconduct happening on sets/behind-the-scenes are they allowed to still enjoy the thing? Or should it be boycotted completely? Example: I've been a major fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer since I was a teenager and it was currently airing. I really nerded out on it and when I lost my Dad at age 16. 'The Body' episode had me in such cathartic tears. Now we know about Joss Whedon. I haven't rewatched a single episode since his behavior came to light. As a fan, do I respectfully have to just box that away? Is it disrespectful of the actors that went through it to knowingly keep watching?"
Wil Wheaton in 2026. Photo credit: wikipedia
And Wheaton offered this response, which he shared:
#question #actor #example
What about an author who has expressed harmful opinions about a marginalized group? What about a smart, witty comedian who turns out to be a serial ******* ual ******* aulter? Where do you draw the line between a creator and their creation? As someone with his feet in both worlds, actor Wil Wheaton weighed in on that question and offered a refreshingly reasonable perspective back in 2021.
"Question: I have more of an opinion question for you. When fans of things hear about misconduct happening on sets/behind-the-scenes are they allowed to still enjoy the thing? Or should it be boycotted completely? Example: I've been a major fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer since I was a teenager and it was currently airing. I really nerded out on it and when I lost my Dad at age 16. 'The Body' episode had me in such cathartic tears. Now we know about Joss Whedon. I haven't rewatched a single episode since his behavior came to light. As a fan, do I respectfully have to just box that away? Is it disrespectful of the actors that went through it to knowingly keep watching?"
Wil Wheaton in 2026. Photo credit: wikipedia
And Wheaton offered this response, which he shared:
#question #actor #example
2 days ago