> It’s exhausting to constantly have to defend supporting your favorite author…

I may be speaking naively here, but may I suggest that unless it happens in conversation with your close friends, you don't actually have to defend him at all. You can see a tweet like that, be sad/frustrated/annoyed, and then just *close the window* and choose to let other people engage (or not). When people are angry or have strong opinions, usually comments from internet strangers won't change anything. I've had enough twitter arguments to know that no matter how terrible someone's view is, nothing I say is going to change it.

Brandon's doing fine, and I'm sure he would not want you to feel obligated to defend his reputation, especially if it's having a negative impact on your mental and emotional health.