The organization Black Lives in Music recently publicly called for the government to take action against the rampant bullying and harassment within the music industry in the UK.
On Jan. 28, CEO Charisse Beaumont presented evidence to the Women and Equalities Select Committee in Parliament, drawing on survey data and other forms of research in her testimony.
While highlighting the cases of harassment and misogyny, Beaumont presented various cases of sexual assault, objectification and grooming within the industry. The CEO drew on results from their anonymous survey, #YourSafetyYourSay, which found that 55% of respondents are currently victims of bullying and harassment in their positions, while 78% have previously been victims.
The survey also found that this type of behavior is considered to be a part of the music industry culture, with 71% of respondents saying that it is widely accepted. With the creation of this toxicity in the culture, only 29% said they felt they had someone who would protect them from abusers.
To address the issues, Black Lives in Music called for changes to the Equality Act to add in freelance workers while also applying a duty to protect musicians from sexual harassment by other parties. The organization also called for the removal of the usage of NDAs in cases of harassment, abuse and discrimination, as well as the creation of a body to ensure that organizations and workers are held accountable for their actions.
“We need the government to act now,” said Beaumont at the hearing. “The music industry is like the Wild West, with no accountability or recourse for victims. Reporting incidents often feels futile, as those in power control the narrative. The time for change is long overdue.”
The hearing today comes a year after the WEC released their “Misogyny in Music” report, which warned that women pursuing a career in music could be faced with “endemic” levels of misogyny and discrimination.
The group also advocated for changes to the Equality Act alongside implemented duties and safeguards against NDAs.
In response to the report, the government responded to concerns, maintaining that, while the Committee’s inquiry “has been important,” they would not include dual discrimination in the Equality Act of 2010.
However, the government agreed to take higher education measures and will continue to work alongside CIISA.
“The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority has arisen from a clear need to address concerns and set standards so there is clarity around expectations and a single point of accountability for where creative industry professionals can go when these standards are not meT,” said the government per a statement. “The Government will continue to engage constructively with the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority as it develops its proposals. Should the Authority identify any legal barriers that may impact its service delivery, the Government is willing to discuss this.”
