Rex Orange County: Separate Art From Artists?

Rex Orange County performing at PRYZM Kingston in the UK. Credit: Drew de F Fawkes from Flickr

Alternative/indie artist Rex Orange County has been charged with six counts of sexual assault. From 2015 to now, Rex has released four albums, several songs with other artists and has over 19 million monthly listeners on Spotify. When such a well-known and talented artist with a large following is involved in something as horrible as sexual assault, should listeners of that artist find a way to separate the music from the artist or stop listening altogether?

Rex Orange County, also known as Alexander O’Connor, was charged with six counts of sexual assault on a woman on June 1, 2022. Allegedly, a woman over the age of 16 was assaulted by O’Connor six times in total over two days. She was assaulted twice during one day and four times the next day, in his house and a taxi according to a report from The Guardian. 

On Oct. 10, 2022, in Southwark Crown Court in London, O’Connor pleaded not guilty to the six charges and was released on unconditional bail. According to a report from the BBC, a representative of O’Connor said, “Alex is shocked by the allegations, which he denies, and looks forward to clearing his name in court.” A trial date has been set for Jan. 3, 2023, and is expected to last three days. 

These allegations have undeniably tarnished Rex Orange County’s reputation, but with his music being beloved by so many, fans of Rex Orange County are struggling with the decision to continue to listen to his music. The details and outcome of this case remain unknown at the moment, so fans feel unsure about what to do.

“Whenever there are any accusations against artists, I don't want to listen to their music or support them in any way,” Maya Campazano ‘26 said. “I don’t believe in separating the art from the artist because you are still supporting the artist indirectly. I think it is extremely disrespectful because many people don’t realize the pain that the victim is experiencing. Many people speak from a place of privilege and invalidate the victim.”

On social media, invalidating the victim has become very normalized. On TikTok especially, there are countless posts with fans saying their life is ruined. User @gracie_gk posted a TikTok with text saying, “The way my Rex Orange County merch came in today of all days…” On Twitter, @coyduroyy posted, “Why did Rex Orange County ruin my life I am going to scream.” This is selfish to say, let alone post on social media for millions to see. It is understandable to be upset with the situation, but these posts are insensitive and inappropriate.

I find that it is difficult to listen to his music without feeling negative emotions. I have loved his music for a long time and always looked up to him, but I think this puts things into perspective in a way. At the end of the day, Rex Orange County is a celebrity that we may love but do not know personally. 

We must recognize what is appropriate to say in situations like these and make sure not to invalidate the victim. It is understandable to feel upset about this situation, but this is a situation that must be taken seriously. Deciding whether to continue to listen to his music is a personal choice, but publicly dissing the victim, or any victim, is unacceptable.