How the Sean “Diddy” Combs Affair Revealed the Toxic, Dark Side of the Music Industry

The shock of public opinion, social media and the music industry led to the recent arrest of Sean “Diddy” Combs , the famous artist recognized for promoting the careers of famous singers and for his own success.

Diddy, as most know him, is accused of sex crimes, including abuse sex, trafficking and conspiracy to commit organized crime and thus be able to abuse women, using money and their power in the industry.

This, after it was discovered a few months ago a series of cases of abuse that the businessman had committed since the 90s, when his fame began.

Combs, however, pleaded not guilty. The impact of these revealed cases has revealed the “dark side” of the music world and more and more activists and victims have decided to speak out against the abuse that exists between artists and music producers.

According to The New York Times , We would be on the eve of a movement similar to #MeToo, which was born in 2017 in the film industry, after the accusations of film producer Harvey Weinstein became known.

These are some of the complaints about things happening in the music world that They become more visible after the arrest of Sean Combs.

When the Harvey Weinstein affair broke out, Various analysts have wondered why something similar hasn’t happened yet in the music world.

“Sex, drugs, rock and roll, relaxed sexuality, it’s all part of the culture of the music industry” assured the academic of Occidental College, Caroline Heldman has The New York Times.

For the expert, the music industry was until now “protected” from a social movement similar to #MeToo because “Rape culture is ingrained in it and that’s because there is no accountability mechanism. »

But now, regarding Diddy’s arrest, Analysts assure that It is “the highest-profile criminal prosecution in the music world for accusations of sexual misconduct.” and a possible turning point change the system from the inside.

Shaunna Thomas, CEO of UltraViolet a women’s rights group, said thatVarious sexual assault claims are being filed against well-known stars such as Guns N’ Roses’ Axl Rose and music producer LA Reid, among others.

“It created an opening that we hadn’t seen until now.”

An opening that shows the dark and toxic side of the music industry, where cases of widespread harassment and abuse occur. and this is, to a large extent, controlled by men.

According to New York Times, Women who speak out “are exiled or silenced under legal agreements that include confidentiality agreements.”

72% of women who make music, surveyed in 2018, say they have been discriminated against because of their gender, and 67% reported being victims of sexual harassment.

“Almost the entire music industry is a toxic work environment. » declared to Times Jennifer Justice, renowned lawyer in the music world .

For example, producer Drew Dixon —who worked between 1990 and 2000 in the music industry— assured that Her career took a turn for the worse after she sued Russell Simmons and LA Reid for abusing her.

He told the same media outlet that he would have embarked on “a business designed to protect its stars at all costs.”

“You don’t just confront the person who attacked you. You take on everyone who takes advantage of your brand and your source of income. These forces will mobilize against any accuser. It’s discouraging.” » Dixon declared.

Kesha This is one of the most controversial and controversial examples in the music industry: In 2014, the singer accused her producer, Dr. Luke, of drugging and raping her.

And even if her fans and other singers supported her until the end, The judge in the case dismissed the complaint, and Dr. Luke countersued with a defamation suit.

Throughout this trial period, and until they reached a settlement, Kesha’s career was severely affected.

Moreover, since New York Times remember that There have also been cases of accusations against other stars, like Diplo or Trey Songz, which received almost no media coverage because the complainants were not well-known women.

Dorothy Carvello, an arts manager who worked at Atlantic Records, In his autobiography, he accuses music producer Ahmet Ertegun of broken arm and multiple sexual assaults, where he even pulled down his underwear and exposed himself naked in a nightclub full of people.

In his writings he stated that These types of misogynistic and abusive actions are frequently committed in the music industry and top executives do nothing to help the victims. : “It was a cult of greed and abuse at the highest level.”

According to different women in the sector, Today’s most popular record labels have regulations that explicitly prohibit sexual harassment. However, there is still a “trick” to achieve this: confidentiality agreements.

After cases of misconduct contrary to the codes specific to record companies, complaints from female artists and producers are generally hidden in these agreements, because after signing, They are forced to remain silent.

Samantha Maloney, a rock drummer who worked at Warner Records, said: “In practice, they often end up forcing women to abandon a business deal. »

It happened to him like this: In 2018, she accused Stephen Cooper, then CEO of Warner Music Group, of sexually propositioning her at a Grammy party. After that, they made him sign a confidentiality agreement.

This document, For her, it’s like “the scarlet letter of the music industry.” Once signed, it is difficult to return to work at any company.

Although Cooper denied the accusation, Warner Music released a statement admitting that the then-executive and others within the company had “behaved in a manner that the company believes is inconsistent with company policy and values.

Is a #MeToo type movement brewing in music?

Probably yes: Tiffany Red a songwriter who worked closely with Cassie, Diddy Combs’ ex-partner who accused him of years of physical and sexual abuse, is convinced thatThe time has come for artists and producers to start being held accountable.

“It had to be someone very famous to get into the music industry. When people saw Cassie doing this, it was really shocking, like when these famous movie stars were talking about Harvey Weinstein. “Then it was discovered.”