The media we consume defines our lifestyles and, on a surface level, our beliefs; however, in the 21st century, our consumption also begs a very important question: How far are we willing to go for the musicians, artists, and bands we know and love, and how unwavering is our support?

Listeners of Rex Orange County, an English indie-rock singer/songwriter who appears on the playlists of young and old teens alike, had to grapple with this question this past October.

The singer appeared in court on October 10 to face six accounts of alleged sexual assault, all brought to court by the same unnamed woman, according to Entertainment Weekly. He pleaded “not guilty” to all accounts but did not provide any kind of personal statement due to his being involved in the proceedings, according to his lawyer.

On this, Harrisites, along with the rest of the teens privy to this information, have to now consider what to do with their support.

Harrisites first consider fundamental morals: listeners should hold their idols to the same standards they hold themselves. Sophomore Katherine Romero said, “I believe celebrities should be subject to the same moral standards as their supporters. Being a celebrity doesn’t change the fact that you are human and you are just like the rest of us…Celebrities can be entitled and believe it’ll be okay to do anything.”

Senior Erica Jin said, “They are humans; they are not some kind of supernatural person that cannot follow the law. Let’s say they did commit a crime. They are going to be held under the same law that all humans are.”

Sophomore Ellie Teytelman said “it’s important that we hold [celebrities] to the same standards because a lot of people will exempt them from [judgment].”

With wanting celebrities to be held accountable, it then has to be considered what that looks like for fans and supporters.

Junior Pema Sherpa said, “I don’t like him as a person, or the things that he has done. I definitely don’t want to…defend him. But you can keep listening to his music, have it in your playlist, but don’t encourage those kinds of behaviors.”

Sophomore Camilla Plaza says that his supporters should “listen to [his music] on a service that doesn’t support him. There’s this app called ‘Musi’ that doesn’t help their numbers go up. I personally would listen to the music on a non-profit system that doesn’t support them.”

Finally, Erica said “If he has any upcoming concerts, don’t go to them.”

Students who spoke to The Classic largely agree that large-scale support of problematic celebrities, such as regular concert-going, should end as soon as they face credible accusations like those in this case.