The music industry has “followed a playbook” for decades that “shields predators” working in the sector from allegations of sexual harassment and assault, according to a new report published by four US-based not-for-profit organisations.
Called 'Sound Off', the report "chronicles the scathing history and financial impact of decades of sexual abuse and cover ups in the music industry, from the 1950s to the present". It is part of new campaign which calls on music companies to commit to a number of measures to help stop sexual harassment and assault within the industry.
"For decades, the music industry has condoned, perpetuated and often marketed a culture of sexual abuse of women and underage girls", the report begins. "Thousands of artists, executives and shareholders have made billions of dollars in profit – while engaging in and/or covering up criminal sexual behaviour".
Citing media reports, and other studies and investigations, into sexual harassment and assault in the music business, it observes, "the music industry has followed a playbook for dealing with sexual abuse that shields predators, including musicians, producers, managers, executives, and other behind-the-scenes players, from liability".
Among the campaign demands are a call for a commitment from music companies to stop using non-disclosure agreements to silence victims; publication of the names of artists and executives credibly accused of sexual assault and harassment; and the establishment of a new independent organisation - funded by MusiCares - called the Make The Music Industry Safe Division.
The main part of 'Sound Off' summarises allegations of sexual harassment and assault that have been made against 32 specific artists and 27 people working behind the scenes in the industry, including in the studio and for music companies. That includes Ryan Adams, Nick Carter, Diplo, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, R Kelly, Marilyn Manson, Sean Combs, Ahmet Ertegun, Russell Simmons, LA Reid, Kenny McPherson and Neil Portnow.
It concedes that "while there are lawsuits identifying some of these alleged perpetrators, many of these allegations have not been fully evaluated in a civil court. Accordingly, the allegations should be considered just allegations and should not be considered proven or substantiated in a court of law. All individuals should be considered innocent until proven guilty".
However, together the allegations made against all these artists and executives demonstrate the extent of the problem, and the corporate culture that tolerates and exacerbates that problem.
"This report sets out to detail the prevalence of sexual abuse and misconduct in the music industry and how its very culture opens the door to such behaviours", it says. "Additionally, this report details how major record companies ignored allegations, silenced victims and even enabled such abuse".
The report has been put together by The Representation Project, Lift Our Voices, The Punk Rock Therapist and the Female Composer Safety League. There is more information about the campaign and a link to download the report below.
