Is the word 'consort' still considered an insult in the modern usage?

Solution 1:

Consort has never been an insult. It was once used as a collective noun for musicians (and there are still a few Early Music Consorts and the like), but there was never a verb form in this sense, so far as I know. Nor would calling somebody a musician normally be considered insulting. The point of this exchange is to show that the Montagues and Capulets hate each other so much that almost anything can lead to a fight, and so, (spoiler alert) Romeo and Juliet face family difficulties.

Solution 2:

Looking at the definition here,

con·sort (knsôrt) n. 1. A husband or wife, especially the spouse of a monarch. 2. A companion or partner. 3. A ship accompanying another in travel. 4. Partnership; association: governed in consort with her advisers. 5. A group; a company: a consort of fellow diplomats. 6. Music a. An instrumental ensemble. b. An ensemble using instruments of the same family. v. (kn-sôrt) con·sort·ed, con·sort·ing, con·sorts v.intr. 1. To keep company; associate: a politician known to consort with gangsters. 2. To be in accord or agreement. v.tr. 1. To unite in company; associate. 2. Obsolete a. To escort; accompany. b. To espouse.

there doesn't appear to be anything negative about the word. I suppose its appearance in the phrase consorting with known criminals might give the impression that there is something disreputable about consorting, but don't forget usages such as "the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Consort", which is quite a prestigious title, I am led to believe.

Solution 3:

If it does have negative connotations, it’s not because the word itself has a negative meaning, but because it’s found in the company of words that do. Consorting with sinners, I suspect, is more likely to be found than consorting with saints.