Half of all musicians experience sexual harassment
Nearly half of all musicians experience sexual harassment while going about their work, according to a new study.
Furthermore, most victims choose not to report sexual harassment because they fear it will affect their careers.
Union finds half of all musicians experience sexual harassment
The U.K.’s Musicians’ Union, representing more than 30,000 musicians working in all areas of the British music industry, conducted the survey.
The MU contacted:
- 725 members for the survey; with
- 379 respondents identified as female; and
- 336 as male.
85 percent of victims said they feared taking action over harassment because of the ramifications speaking out could have on their careers.
Additionally, more than 61 percent of respondents said they felt at risk because they work on a freelance basis.
Many young artists affected by sexual harassment decide to leave the industry as a result, according to Naomi Pohl from the MU.
“We are aware of many cases of talented musicians, particularly young or also emerging artists, leaving the industry due to sexism, sexual harassment or abuse.
“Many musicians who have gone public with their story are now being taken to court for defamation.
”The perpetrators rarely face justice as a result.”
Just ‘lad culture’
A musician who spoke to the MU said:
“I reported sexual harassment by a high-profile individual to a major employer in the industry.
“I was told this was just ‘lad culture’ by the person investigating my complaint.
“No wonder such a high proportion of issues go unreported.”
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SafeSpace
The report follows the launch of SafeSpace, an email account where artists can report sexual harassment, and also abuse, bullying and discrimination.
Women accounted for 95 percent of all responses.
The MU is now lobbying the government to “strengthen the law to prevent sexual harassment at work before it happens.”
Australian industry also facing widespread harassment
Australian musicians and other workers in the industry also face widespread sexual harassment.
The Conversation conducted a survey of 500 Australian festival-goers.
It found 87.5 percent of participants said sexual harassment is a common occurrence at music festivals.
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Maggie Rogers calls out harassment
U.S. singer and songwriter Maggie Rogers recently posted on social media about hearing smutty comments at her own gig:
“There is no space for harassment or disrespect or degradation of any kind at my show.”
One man yelled out “take your top off,” and another shouted “you’re cute though”.
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