April 24, 2024

SMB Open Letter: Urgent Call for Accountability

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Over the past two years, we have challenged music publishing companies, record labels, recording studios, DSPs, and performing rights organizations, to commit to the SMB pledge.

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Below is the pledge:

• ​We commit to keeping artists, songwriters, producers, and staff safe in our workplace and studio sessions.

• We commit to reporting sexual harassment, intimidation, or violence to the appropriate parties in our workplace or studio sessions and taking action. 

• We will not tolerate inappropriate language or behavior in our workplace or studio sessions.

• We have or will create a safe space to support our artists, songwriters, producers, and staff who don't feel safe.

• We have or will hire safe space leadership to support our artists, songwriters, producers, and staff who don't feel safe.

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We are immensely grateful for the companies and organizations that have taken the SMB pledge. Their commitment to creating safer work environments within the music industry is commendable and represents a significant step towards positive change. By pledging to prioritize workplace safety, these companies demonstrate leadership and a genuine dedication to the well-being of music creatives and professionals. Their actions serve as an inspiring example for others to follow, and we sincerely appreciate their efforts to foster a culture of respect, safety, and inclusivity in our industry.

Here are the companies and organizations that have taken the pledge:

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• Artistry Group

• BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)

• EVEN

• Eat Predators

• HRDRV

• Industry Blackout

• LVRN (LoveRenaissance)

• Love Pulse Music

• NMPA (National Music Publishers' Association)

• Pendustry

• She Is The Music

• SONA (Songwriters of North America)

• The 100 Percenters

• The MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective)

• The Recording Academy

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Despite finding allies within these companies who acknowledged the necessity of initiatives like the Safe Music Business pledge, the response has been dishearteningly silent. We encountered a significant reluctance throughout the outreach process to secure pledges. It's a disappointing reality. It shouldn't be such a challenging task for companies to adopt a more transparent, proactive stance in addressing sexual misconduct and violence within the music industry.

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In 2023, the repercussions of the Adult Survivors Act were felt throughout the music industry, ensnaring notable figures like the founder of Bad Boy Entertainment and Love Records, Sean "Diddy" Combs, former CEO of Epic Records and Island Def Jam, Antonio "L.A." Reid, Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses, the estate of Atlantic Records' Ahmet Ertegun, and former Recording Academy CEOs Neil Portnow and Mike Green.

Now, the legal gaze shifts to Universal Music Group and its CEO, Lucian Grainge, alongside former Motown Records CEO Ethiopia Habtermariam, and Chalice Recording Studios. They're embroiled in a civil lawsuit filed by Grammy-nominated music producer Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones against Sean Combs, alleging RICO violations. This comes on the heels of four civil lawsuits leveraging the Adult Survivors Act (ASA), which implicated Combs in allegations of human trafficking and sexual assault.

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In February, the spotlight intensified on hip-hop pioneer Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, as he faced a lawsuit for sexual assault and battery. This legal action adds to a mounting pile of allegations against him, with Jane Doe among twenty women who have bravely stepped forward to disclose instances of sexual violence and harassment involving Simmons.

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There's a clear problem. It's undeniable. We understand these are allegations, and the truth remains to be determined in a court of law. However, can we not acknowledge the troubling pattern of alleged abuse of power in music? The sheer volume of allegations against stars and industry senior leadership underscores the critical need for transparency, accountability, and systemic change. 

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The culture of these companies must undergo a profound transformation after being dominated by alleged sexual predators. Merely expecting change from the resignation of former CEOs is naive, in our opinion. We need a comprehensive overhaul to dismantle toxic norms.

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It's time for a fundamental shift in mindset and action. We cannot continue to ignore these issues or prioritize corporate interests over the safety and well-being of human beings. The music business is losing a lot of money and incredible talent for abusive culture to stay alive. We owe it to ourselves, future generations of music creatives and professionals, and our industry's integrity to do better and fight for the soul of music.

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Respectfully,

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Tiffany Red

Founder & Executive Director

100 Percenters Foundation

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