I think the distinction spills into comedy when the discussion focuses on whether or not Epstein or R Kelly or whoever was a pedophile. It doesn't really matter because obviously they were terrible people regardless of that.

It's a far more sensible point to consider when we're discussing the people around these individuals. If the girls surrounding Epstein had been prepubescent, that'd be a much worse look for the people around him.

“But 14 year olds basically look 18 so it’s ok” is not analytical, it’s apologia. It’s weird how there’s always someone on the internet who really wants to talk about which children it’s actually ok to have sex with.