Julia Roberts Expresses Love for The Smiths Despite Morrissey’s Controversial Past

Julia Roberts shares her heartfelt appreciation for The Smiths, embracing their music while reflecting on Morrissey’s disputed political views.

A Fan's Enduring Love for The Smiths Amid Controversy

As a longtime fan, I find it fascinating when an iconic figure like Julia Roberts opens up about her feelings for The Smiths. Despite the swirling controversies around Morrissey, their enigmatic frontman, Roberts admits she still loves their music deeply. It goes to show how powerful art can be—separating itself from the drama of its creator.

Julia Roberts alongside Morrissey – a snapshot capturing the complex relationship between fan and artist.

In her new film, After The Hunt, there’s a cheeky nod to Morrissey. A character is surprised that The Smiths’ tunes are playing despite the controversies surrounding Morrissey’s political stances, which have often polarized fans and critics alike.

Morrissey’s Controversies: The Background Story

The rollercoaster of Morrissey’s public statements dates back several years. Headlines first erupted in 2016 when he hailed the Brexit referendum result as “magnificent,” and openly praised Nigel Farage as a “liberal educator.” These comments sparked immediate backlash, intertwining his name with far-right political echoes.

His stance took another sharp turn in 2018 when Morrissey penned an open letter declaring he “despises” racism and fascism, while paradoxically endorsing the far-right party For Britain. Founded by Anne Marie Waters after her split from UKIP, this party was labeled by some as extremist. Waters herself had been called a “Nazi and racist” by Nigel Farage, highlighting the tangled web of political affiliations at play.

The controversies didn’t end there. In 2019, Morrissey wore a badge representing the For Britain party on a televised appearance on Fallon, further stirring the pot. He later addressed these issues in a candid interview conducted by his nephew, Sam Etsy Rayner, clarifying his political views. Morrissey denied supporting UKIP or Farage’s Brexit Party but acknowledged that Farage “would make a good Prime Minister.”

Despite all this, Morrissey recently declined an invitation to perform at Reform UK’s party conference, suggesting a complex and evolving relationship with political entities.

Julia Roberts on Art vs. Artist: Embracing Nuance

Julia Roberts recently shared her thoughts in an interview with The Sunday Times about the delicate balance of appreciating art while grappling with the artist’s controversies. When asked if she would discard her copy of The Queen Is Dead due to Morrissey’s divisive persona, Roberts had a refreshing take.

“I love the Smiths,” she said. “If we do that, we cheat ourselves from having a fully realized understanding. If you don’t know what it is that you’re being shielded from – how can you know better, do better, create better?”

She went on to emphasize the importance of nuance: “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.”

It’s a powerful reminder that cultural artifacts often carry layers—some beautiful, some troubling—and dismissing them outright might rob us of valuable lessons or artistic experiences.

After The Hunt: A Cultural Moment

After The Hunt is poised to spark conversations when it releases in the US on October 10, followed by screenings at the BFI Film Festival in the UK starting October 11. With its subtle nod to The Smiths and the complexities of fandom amidst controversy, it feels especially timely.

Morrissey’s Business Moves: Selling His Stake in The Smiths

Meanwhile, Morrissey has stirred the music world again by putting his business interests in The Smiths up for sale. Through a statement on his website, he expressed feeling “burnt out” by ongoing associations with band members Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke, and Mike Joyce.

“I have had enough of malicious associations. With my entire life I have paid my rightful dues to these songs and these images. I would now like to live disassociated from those who wish me nothing but ill-will and destruction, and this is the only resolution.”

The offer to sell his stake attracted a "colossal response," leading to the closure of applications to purchase his share.

Why This Matters to Fans

For fans like me, this saga highlights the bittersweet reality of loving music whose creators have complicated legacies. Julia Roberts’ perspective encourages us not to shy away from engaging with art because of the artist’s flaws. Instead, it calls for a deeper conversation—a willingness to sit with discomfort and complexity.

FAQ

• How does Julia Roberts feel about The Smiths despite Morrissey's controversies?
  She expresses ongoing love for their music and believes shielding oneself from controversy limits understanding.
• What specific political controversies has Morrissey been involved in?
  Morrissey has supported far-right parties, praised Brexit and Nigel Farage, and worn political badges tied to controversial groups.
• What does Julia Roberts say about separating the art from the artist?
  She advocates for nuance, suggesting we learn and grow by acknowledging both the good and bad aspects.
• When is After The Hunt releasing?
  The film premieres in the US on October 10, with UK screenings at the BFI Film Festival starting October 11.
• Why is Morrissey selling his stake in The Smiths?
  To distance himself from relationships with former bandmates amid ongoing personal and professional conflicts.

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