Black Lives in Music welcomes the new report from the Women and Equalities Committee, Misogyny in Music: On Repeat, which calls for a full and urgent ban on non-disclosure agreements in cases involving sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and discrimination.
The report that was published this morning, echoes what we have long known and continue to see across the music industry: misogyny is not a one-off problem. It is deeply embedded, widespread and enabled by outdated legal frameworks and a culture of silence.
Time to End the Silence
Charisse Beaumont, Chief Executive Officer of Black Lives in Music, said:
“Non-disclosure agreements are being used to silence survivors and protect powerful individuals and institutions. Too often, victims are left without justice, while perpetrators remain in positions of power. This report must be a turning point. The government must take bold and immediate action to outlaw the use of non-disclosure agreements in cases of abuse and discrimination.”
Charisse Beaumont gave evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee alongside journalist Laura Snapes, Celeste Waite, and other key industry figures, helping to inform the report’s conclusions through testimony grounded in real experiences from across the sector.
The Women and Equalities Committee’s recommendations are aligned with the findings of our #YourSafetyYourSay survey, which revealed that:
- 78 percent of respondents have experienced bullying or harassment during their careers
- 55 percent are currently experiencing bullying or harassment in their work
- 71 percent believe harassment is widely accepted as part of the culture
- Only 29 percent believe there are people in the industry who will protect them
- Black women in music face higher rates of bullying, sexual harassment and disbelief
The impact of being silenced, dismissed or ignored cannot be overstated. The music industry should be a place where creativity and talent are nurtured, not exploited.
Urgent Reform is Essential
Black Lives in Music fully supports the Committee’s call for urgent legal and structural change, including:
- A complete ban on non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements in cases of sexual harassment, abuse or discrimination
- Amending the Equality Act and Employment Rights Bill to include freelance and self-employed workers
- Ensuring maternity rights for self-employed workers are aligned with those in employment
- Secure funding and legislative support for the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA)
We Strongly Endorse Section 14 of the Equality Act
We also endorse the call to bring Section 14 of the Equality Act 2010 into force.
This part would make it possible for people to bring forward claims based on a mix of characteristics, a crucial move toward properly recognising and tackling intersectional discrimination. Our own data, along with that from our partners, shows that Black women in music face higher rates of bullying, sexual harassment and disbelief. Women’s experiences are not homogenous. Race, disability, sexual orientation and other identities intersect to shape the barriers they face. Recognising this through the law is vital to achieving meaningful change.
Supporting CIISA is Non-Negotiable
The creation of CIISA is long overdue. The music industry is one of the only major sectors in the United Kingdom without an independent regulatory body. This lack of oversight leaves far too many people vulnerable to harm.
“This is another wake-up call,” said Dr. Charisse Beaumont. “Women in music deserve to work without fear. Black women, and women from other marginalised backgrounds, face even greater challenges in an already unsafe environment. It is time for the government to move beyond words and take action. We need change. We need accountability. We need reform.”
Black Lives in Music remains committed to working towards a fairer, safer and more inclusive music industry for all. We urge the government to adopt all of the Committee’s recommendations in full and without delay.
Read the full report from the Women and Equalities Committee: Misogyny in Music: On Repeat
For more information, visit blim.org.uk to learn more about our work and ongoing initiatives.