Namie has always been a "product" of the music industry and I think everyone knew that. I know I personally never expected art from Namie. Because she is not that kind of musical act. She was a TK girl. His creation pretty much. But I don't think Namie is heartless or souless. I think she still cared about the fans and making music that she enjoyed and also dancing of course. I didn't get any negative feelings from the interview or see her as a victim of anything. But I could see how a person could be turned off by Namie's approach to her music career. I thought everyone knew that Namie was more of an entertainer than a musical artist.
When it comes to pop stars, most of them are similar to Namie. They want a career in the entertainment industry and work for record companies. People like Ayu and Utada are special cases, not the norm. That's why Ayu had to fight to gain more creative control over her music career. She was working with a mainstream music company like Avex, where making a profit is a priority, not taking creative risks like Ayu wanted.
I don't think you will be bashed.
I think everybody generally has already been aware of what you're saying anyway.