Was Nero a Monster or Misunderstood?

I think Nero has earned the right to go down in modern history as a cruel monster; based on the reading by Scarre, there isn't anything to be misunderstood. Despite any positive political intentions Nero had in the beginning of his reign, or even during the Great Fire of Rome, he was cruel in his personal endeavors. Nero murdered two of his wives, and Scarre's account of both make them seem like nonchalant decisions; one simply because he wanted to marry someone pretty, and the other because he had a temper tantrum. I think that alone is enough to disregard any inkling of doubt about Nero. On top of those two murders, he murdered his mother and his step brother. Simply being a "patron of the arts" is not enough to redeem murder and alleged mugging, attacking of women, and stealing.