I think his point is as entertaining as PT Barnum was and as much money as he made one would hardly consider him an artist or cultural icon. Likewise, Bowie was a showman. Like Barnum he knew his audience and how to satisfy them. Barnum is dead as well and that does not make him beyond criticism and neither is Bowie. The reverence with which the press treats Bowie is annoying as he merely prostituted himself to make money.
A couple of points - I have no idea how Barnum’s death was treated when it happened. Maybe there was a lot of press coverage, since he was a pretty famous guy.
My second point - I don’t think it’s appropriate to compare entertainers with prostitutes.
“....as he merely prostituted himself to make money.”
As opposed to you, who only works at things that bring deep satisfaction to you, and you remained pure through it all. I can see you now, writing poetry. When complete, you read it, smile, and then burn the page lest ye be prostituting your ideas.
(rolling eyes)