The Complex Legacy of Morrissey and The Smiths

The debate surrounding Morrissey’s public persona isn’t new. As early as 2016, the musician sparked outrage by praising the Brexit vote as “magnificent” and labeling Nigel Farage a “liberal educator.” This initial foray into politically charged rhetoric marked the beginning of a pattern that would increasingly overshadow his musical achievements.

In 2018, Morrissey released an open letter claiming to “despise” racism and fascism, but the gesture was widely criticized as disingenuous, given his simultaneous support for For Britain, a far-right political party founded by Anne Marie Waters after she was labeled “Nazis and racists” by former UKIP leader Nigel Farage. The letter did little to quell the growing concerns about his political alignment.

The controversy escalated in 2019 when Morrissey appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon wearing a badge emblazoned with the logo of For Britain. The incident ignited a fresh wave of condemnation, prompting a subsequent interview with his nephew, Sam Etsy Rayner, where Morrissey attempted to clarify his position, stating he’d never supported UKIP or Farage, but suggesting Farage “would make a good Prime Minister.”

More recently, it was revealed that Morrissey declined an invitation to perform at a Reform UK party conference, a move that some interpreted as a potential distancing from far-right politics, though his motivations remain unclear.

Adding another layer to the ongoing saga, Morrissey recently announced his intention to sell his stake in The Smiths, citing “malicious associations” with former bandmates Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke, and Mike Joyce. The announcement, initially met with a “colossal response,” led him to shut down the email address for potential buyers. Applications are no longer being accepted.

Did You Know?: The Smiths disbanded in 1987, largely due to creative differences between Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr. Despite numerous attempts at reconciliation, a full reunion has never materialized.

Roberts on Art, Cancellation, and Nuance

In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Roberts addressed the challenging question of whether to “cancel” artists whose personal beliefs are objectionable. She stated, “I love the Smiths. If we do that, we cheat ourselves from having a fully realised understanding. If you don’t know what it is that you’re being shielded from – how can you know better, do better, create better?”

Roberts continued, acknowledging the need for accountability while advocating for a more nuanced approach. “Some things are big, horrible, ugly. And we can all agree that, ‘Yes, that was bad. Let’s not do that again.’ But, then, there are other times where you think, ‘Well, who’s to say that this should be put in a barrel, set on fire? Who says that?’ We need nuance.”

This perspective raises a critical question: can we truly appreciate art independently of the artist, especially when their views clash with our own values? And what responsibility do artists have to their audiences, and vice versa?

After The Hunt will be released in the US on October 10 and screened at the BFI Film Festival in the UK starting October 11.

Frequently Asked Questions About Morrissey and The Smiths

• Q: Why is Morrissey so controversial?

  A: Morrissey’s controversies stem from a series of public statements and affiliations with far-right political groups, leading to accusations of racism, xenophobia, and support for extremist ideologies.

• Q: What is Julia Roberts’ stance on separating the art from the artist?

  A: Roberts believes that dismissing art based solely on the artist’s personal beliefs limits our understanding and prevents growth. She advocates for a nuanced approach that acknowledges both the art’s value and the artist’s problematic views.

• Q: What was Morrissey’s involvement with For Britain?

  A: Morrissey publicly supported For Britain, a far-right anti-Islam political party, and even wore a badge representing the party during a television appearance, sparking widespread criticism.

• Q: Why is Morrissey trying to sell his stake in The Smiths?

  A: Morrissey claims he is “burnt out” by his associations with former bandmates and seeks to disassociate himself from what he perceives as “malicious” relationships.

• Q: What impact have Morrissey’s views had on The Smiths’ legacy?

  A: Morrissey’s controversies have undoubtedly complicated The Smiths’ legacy, forcing fans to grapple with the question of whether to continue supporting the band’s music despite the frontman’s problematic views.