More musicians are coming forward to speak about sexual abuse within the music and entertainment industry. Recently, names such as Ed Sheeran and Tom Jones to name but a few, have discussed how its ‘definitely happening’ and ‘still not being spoke about enough’.
The industry is starting to become more vocal of allegations following the recent claims against film producer Harvey Weinstein. Accusations that Weinstein has harassed and sexually abused many women he has worked with over the years, is all coming to the surface now. Women from across the film business are pulling together to become more confident in speaking out about their experiences with Harvey. Some of these woman include big names such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Rosanna Arquette and Angelina Jolie.
This has kick-started a #MeToo campaign on social media, where many women are using it to speak out on their own sexual abuse and harassment experiences together and supporting each other with their honesty and courage. Actress and singer Alyssa Milano was the one who first started it, and it has certainly spread like wild fire, as thousands of women have reacted back to it to share their stories. This domino effect on speaking out is urging bigger names to discuss their opinions on the subject.
If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet. pic.twitter.com/k2oeCiUf9n
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 15, 2017
— xoxo, Gaga (@ladygaga) October 15, 2017
Yep being sexually harassed on the streets of London is a daily part of most women’s lives! Needs to stop.
Me too https://t.co/ScX67Kmmiy
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) October 15, 2017
— Hannah Reid (@HannahfmreidLG) October 16, 2017
Among these replies London Grammar singer Hannah Reid spoke about how catcalling on the streets of London needs to stop, as it is ‘create’s such an atmosphere of intimidation and is often not regarded as sexual harassment’.
Extremely popular British musician Ed Sheeran contributed to this in conversation with Sky News, explaining how “he’s never came across it, but its definitely a thing that happens in both industries”. Regarding the #MeToo campaign, the Grammy award winning and multi million selling artist said: “I think it’s dreadful that this sort of stuff didn’t get talked about before. It’s nice that it is being brought to light now.”
Our very own National treasure Tom Jones, also in interview, spoke about the existing abuse not only in the entertainment industry but also how it is evident within the music industry. Adding that it isn’t just woman that may be getting harassed, it’s men too.
Jones was talking to BBC Radio 5 today to express his opinions on the recent Weinstein allegations for his decade of sexual abuse claims, and the Welsh OBE awarded singer said how the same goes for record contracts as it can to get a film contract. “You hear people complaining about it, being expected to do things for a record contract”. Tom also went onto say “There were a few things like that. But you avoid it. You just walk out… But what’s tried on women is tried on men as well.”
He then went onto reminisce on his own experiences, saying “It wasn’t bad, just somebody tried to pull… it was a question and I said ‘No thank you.”
Weinstein is now facing criminal investigations after being sacked from his company. Taking a stronger stance on fighting sexual harassment is becoming larger and if you do need any advice regarding this issue please click here.
