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BLiM CEO Addresses Misogyny in Music at Parliament

Black Lives in Music CEO Presents Evidence to Parliament on Misogyny in the Music Industry

Charisse Beaumont, CEO of Black Lives in Music (BLiM), presented powerful evidence today to the Women and Equalities Select Committee (WEC) in Parliament, shedding light on the pervasive issues of bullying, harassment, and misogyny within the UK music industry. Drawing from BLiM’s extensive research and anonymous survey data, her testimony highlighted the urgent need for government intervention and systemic reform.

Shocking Findings from the UK Music Industry

During her evidence, Dr. Charisse Beaumont shared harrowing examples of misconduct, including cases of sexual assault by male artists and promoters, the objectification of women, grooming of young female vocalists, and abuse in music education settings. BLiM’s anonymous survey, #YourSafetyYourSay, revealed:

  • 55% of respondents are currently experiencing bullying or harassment in their work.
  • Over 78% have experienced such behavior during their careers.
  • 71% believe bullying and harassment are widely accepted as part of the music industry culture.
  • Only 29% feel there are people in the industry who will protect them.

One anonymous respondent said: “I’m at a loss, to be honest. I am so worn down by it all, my enthusiasm or hope for change is depleted. Unfortunately, the UK music industry is so small that I don’t hold out hope.”

Beaumont emphasized how these issues are often swept under the rug, with non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) frequently used to silence victims and protect perpetrators.

Recommendations for Change

BLiM called on the government to enact the recommendations from the WEC’s Misogyny in Music Inquiry, which outlined key legislative changes to better protect workers in the music industry. These include:

  1. Amending the Equality Act to extend protections to freelance workers, who dominate the creative sector.
  2. Implementing a duty on employers to protect workers from sexual harassment by third parties.
  3. Prohibiting the use of NDAs in cases involving sexual harassment, abuse, or discrimination.
  4. Funding the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) to establish a regulatory body to safeguard workers and hold organizations accountable.

Dr. Charisse Beaumont reiterated BLiM’s call for a levy on the music industry to fund CIISA, creating a safe and independent avenue for victims to report misconduct. “The creative industries are the only sector without an independent body to address poor behaviour. This must change,” she stated.

A Path to Accountability

BLiM’s work doesn’t stop at advocacy. Their Anti-Racist Code of Conduct and EquiTrack reporting tool empower organisations to combat discrimination and uphold higher standards of workplace behaviour. These tools, coupled with BLiM’s data collection efforts, aim to drive meaningful change across the sector.

A Wake-Up Call for the Industry

The WEC’s Misogyny in Music Inquiry report, published earlier this year, found that women pursuing careers in music face “endemic” discrimination and misogyny, exacerbated by gendered power imbalances and self-employment structures. Yet, despite compelling evidence, the government has resisted implementing key recommendations, including extending the time limit for Equality Act claims to six months.

“We need the government to act now,” said Dr. Charisse Beaumont. “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.”

Together, we can create a safer, fairer music industry for everyone.

Watch the full session on the UK Parliament Live TV’s website.

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