(CNN) — Composer Richard Wagner was an anti-Semite whose music was used, after his death, as Nazi propaganda. He was also,as some say, “one of the most gifted, historically important composers to ever grace the planet.” So fans of his music, including those in Israel, are willing to overlook his hideous views and embrace his art. This is what is generally considered separating the art from the artist. As writer Jay Parini put it, “Hideous people can make great art.”

Since TV Land canceled syndication of “The Cosby Show” recently in reaction to multiple allegations that Bill Cosby is a rapist, I’ve been thinking more about whether we can separate the art from the artist.

Source: Sally Kohn, cnn.com