Bonus Live Episode: #MeToo And The Music Industry

34:36

June 26, 2018

Katherine Brewer

FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2015 file photo. musical artist R. Kelly performs the national anthem before an NBA basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks in New York. Officials in a Georgia county want an upcoming concert by R. Kelly canceled after a media report accusing the singer of mental and physical abuse of women. The Fulton County Board of Commissioners this week sent a letter asking Live Nation, the company contracted to book events at a county-owned venue outside Atlanta, to cancel Kelly’s Aug. 25, 2017 concert.(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Is it really only about drugs, sex and rock n roll? The #MeToo movement has brought a reckoning across fields—movies, television, media, tech, academia, finance, even the restaurant industry. Why is the music industry so behind?

R. Kelly was acquitted of child pornography charges in 2008 and has a long list of abuse allegations. But he’s still performing in arenas and his record deal is intact. Antonio “L.A.” Reid was forced to leave Epic Records after allegations of “unlawful harassment” but months later announced he has a new label and a roster of major talent. Three women have accused hip hop mogul Russell Simmons of rape. The singer Kesha sued producer Dr. Luke, claiming he "sexually, physically, verbally, and emotionally abused" her. This is just the beginning of a long list of names and allegations. Does the music industry need a wake-up call?

At a live event in Boston, Geoff Edgers was joined on stage by:

Kenyette Barnes, co-founder of the #MuteRKelly movement
Renée Graham, columnist for the Boston Globe, author of "Black women are waiting for their #MeToo moment"
Jim DeRogatis, veteran music critic whose coverage of R. Kelly’s alleged behavior dates back to 2000.