The plethora of emotional stories from Hollywood regarding sexual harassment and violence have both inspired and shocked the nation. After Harvey Weinstein’s misconduct was reported in The New York Times and The New Yorker, many women and men in the entertainment business have come forward to share their sickening truths of similar behavior within the industry. All those accused are regarded as high profile and well-liked actors and the list continues to grow every day. Actors who have been accused like Kevin Spacey and Ed Westwick are stars in popular TV shows that students at St. Paul Academy and Summit School watch. For students at SPA, these growing allegations should prompt opposition to those bodies of work produced by accused celebrities in the Hollywood industry.

In Hollywood, many cases of sexual assault go unnoticed due to the high status of these actors. Additionally, many men who are accused hold powerful positions within the industry. And the allegations did not start this year. High regarded actors and comedians like Bill Cosby and Arnold Schwarzenegger have been accused countless times for sexual misconduct.

With the increase in allegations Hollywood, it has become clear that sexual assault is a problem deeply embedded in society. People across the nation, and students at SPA, should use the momentum surrounding the conversations sparked to share their personal stories, reflect upon issues within this society, and to most importantly continue the conversation.

Sexual assault is not an issue that solely exists in Hollywood. The hashtag #metoo that surfaced on Twitter in October shed light on the countless number of people (particularly women) that have been affected by sexual assault in their life. To bring the matter more local, the SADD Consent Assembly at SPA was an excellent beginning to a larger communal conversation surrounding sexual assault, “locker room talk,” and consensual sexual behavior. With measures like these circulating for students at SPA, the mantra surrounding those actors accused in Hollywood should be apparent: do not support a culture, in any place, that is founded upon abusing others sexually.

It is evident that these men in Hollywood are highly acclaimed and have produced cinematic masterpieces. Men accused such as Kevin Spacey who stars in House of Cards and Louis C.K. who is famous for his comedic routines have made or starred in highly rated performances and have won numerous awards for these performances. Hypothetically, this society would be one that would not give awards to those individuals accused of disgusting actions. One matter is certain, though, it is time to stop separating the art from the artist.

Students and everyone should stop separating an actor’s work from their sexual misconduct, it is inexcusable. It is not wrong to watch films or work in which these actors star. It is, however, wrong to prioritize these actors’ bodies of work over the real people who have accused them of sexual violence. These accusations come from people, mainly woman, with real experiences and legitimate pain and it is hurtful to excuse disgusting sexual behavior so as to preserve a career. The allegations of Hollywood “royalty” should prompt to turn away from watching these actors work. Don’t give them ratings, give them condemnation.