Government Actions Urged by BLIM
Black Lives in Music (BLIM) has called for government action against the mockery and persecution present in the music industry of Great Britain.
WEC’s Address on Femininity in Music
The Committee on Women and Equalities (WEC) held a subsequent session of evidence today (January 28), close to a year ahead of the publication date of its report regarding femininity in music.
In the document titled “Mirogi is the most in music,” the industry is described as a “Boys Club,” where incidents of sexual harassment and abuse are rampant, and the normalization of such behaviors is significant. Victims fear that speaking out might jeopardize their careers, according to the report.
Challenges Faced by Women in Music
WEC indicated that women in music continue to encounter barriers, including limited opportunities, inadequate support, and persistent pay inequality—issues exacerbated for those confronting intersectional barriers, particularly racial discrimination.
Today (January 28), Cheriss Bomont, General Director of Black Lives in Music (BRIM), an initiative aimed at enhancing the capabilities of black musicians and professionals, presented evidence from their research on the mockery and persecution within the British music industry. She called for government action to combat sexual harassment and abuse in the industry, including issues such as casting calls that require almost nude submissions and invites to take drugs.
In the framework of our continuation of femininity in the musical industry, we hear from:
Laura Snapes | @Lucycoxsoprano | @Blklivesinmusic | @Ism_music | @Wearethemu | Creative industries of independent standards management.
Look at the parliament live at 14.20, Tuesday, January 28. pic.twitter.com/0kjwglzre
– Women and Equal Committee (@commonswomequ) January 27, 2025
Blim also urged the Labour Government to adopt the recommendations of the feminine century within the music investigation, which the previous government failed to address.
“We have numerous accounts from women who have faced persecution, including sexual violence from male peers and promoters, as well as instances of young women being coerced into participating in nearly naked videos, being pressured to drink, and using drugs, leading to further exploitation. Male producers often prey on young female vocalists,” Bomont stated.
She continued: “This behavior is rampant across all genres, particularly within classical music. It was reported that 55 percent of respondents currently experience mockery or persecution, while over 78 percent have faced such issues throughout their careers. Half of those surveyed indicated similar experiences in the past year. One participant expressed, ‘I feel lost. My enthusiasm and hope for change have been completely drained. Regrettably, the British music industry is so small that I lack faith in its progress.’”
Blim reported that 71 percent of participants felt that bullying and persecution were normalized within the industry. Furthermore, 65 percent claimed that combating such behavior is not a priority in the music sector, with only 29 percent believing that individuals exist within the industry who would support them.
