In recent months, popular singer D4vd has faced serious allegations that shocked many of his fans. The situation has sparked debate not only online, but also here at Cresskill High. Many students who once listened to his emotional songs such as Here With Me and Romantic Homicide are now questioning how they feel about him, and whether they can still enjoy his music the same way.
According to public reports, D4vd has been connected to an ongoing police investigation involving the death of a teenage girl, Celeste Rivas. While unconfirmed and without any charges, the news has changed how many fans view him. Some say they no longer feel comfortable listening to his music, while others believe people should wait until all the information is clear before making judgments.
The controversy has had major effects on his career, with canceled performances and brands stepping away from deals. But the conversation around him is part of a larger issue: can people separate the artist from the art?
At Cresskill, students have mixed feelings about this question. For me, personally, I still think D4VD’s songs can mean something to people, even if what he’s accused of is true. Music can help you through things, and that doesn’t go away just because of what the artist did.
Others at Cresskill feel the exact opposite; they think that continuing to support someone accused of such a serious offense is not right. They say it’s hard to separate the artist from the art, especially when the person behind it is at the center of controversy.
Hudson Adika, a junior and longtime D4VD listener, shared his thoughts. He said when he first heard the news, he was in denial and wanted to believe it wasn’t true. But after learning more, he stopped listening completely, saying the situation changed the way he sees D4VD, as an artist, and as a person. Hudson explained that because D4VD’s songs are mostly about love and emotion, hearing about violence connected to him feels disturbing. He believes it’s fair to judge an artist when the allegations are serious, and he personally won’t listen to D4vd’s music for now. However, Hudson also said that if D4VD is found not guilty, he would return to listening, stating he is, “innocent until proven guilty.”
Some students say they’re unsure how to think. Some say they want to wait for more facts before making a decision, while others just don’t feel the same connection to the music anymore. Cresskill freshman Pedro Romero said “I’m kind of in the middle. I used to listen to his songs a lot, but now it just feels different. I don’t want to assume anything until everything’s confirmed, but it’s hard to hear his music the same way.”
Personally, I don’t think you can completely separate the artist from the music, especially when the songs are so personal. The emotions in D4VD’s music still feel powerful, but knowing what’s happening in his investigation makes them hit differently. I can still appreciate how his songs resonated with people, but it’s hard to listen without thinking about the current situation.
In the end, whether or not you can separate the artist from the art is a personal decision. Everyone at Cresskill seems to feel differently about it. What this moment shows is that music isn’t just something we listen to; it’s something we connect to deeply. And when the person behind that music changes in our eyes, the way we hear their songs might change too.
