CONTENT WARNING: The following article discusses sexual harassment and assault.
Hundreds of women have signed an open letter speaking out about sexual harassment and assault in the Australian music industry.
The open letter — titled ‘#meNOmore’ and published by Seventh Street Media — is addressed to the Australian music industry, and contains anonymous stories of sexual harassment and assault in Aussie music, which “range from the tragic, to the horrific, to the every-day norm”.
Signed by artists, journalists, managers, publicists, record label employees and more from around the industry, the letter has picked up support from the likes of Courtney Barnett, Jen Cloher, Thelma Plum, Tina Arena, Adalita and The Preatures’ Isabella Manfredi.
“In recent weeks, as Hollywood carried the torch of Tarana Burke’s #MeToo movement and stories started breaking around the world, we found ourselves offering strength to our friends and colleagues who had their own stories to share – both publicly and in whispered circles,” the letter reads.
“It’s become clear that the magnitude of #MeToo extends to our own shores and to our own industry.
“Together, we give a voice to these issues and demand zero tolerance for sexual harassment, violence, objectification and sexist behaviours. There is no place for sexual entitlement in the workplace and in our industry. Change starts today.”
Almost 400 women have signed the letter, and its creators are urging others to tell their stories.
“We all have our own stories, or know someone who does. We are not whingers or vibe-killers,” the letter reads.
“We are passionate people dedicating our lives to music. In the face of uncountable discrimination, harassment, violence, and the general menace of sexist jargon, we have gritted our teeth and gotten on with the job. But today we say, no more.
“To the men who support and work alongside us – you are a vital part of this conversation. Be kind, listen and act if you know of something happening. Stand beside us and call out those who let us all down and who hurt our friends.”
The #meNOmore letter comes after women in the Swedish music industry released an open letter of their own earlier this year, as well as a #MeToo post from Isabella Manfredi, who spoke about her experiences of sexual harassment in October.
To read the #meNOmore letter in full, including the personal stories it contains, head here.
