Marilyn Manson, Diddy, Garth Brooks… The beginnings of a #MeToo movement in the American music industry

The American music industry is overtaken by its old demons. After the avalanche of accusations against Sean Combs, known among others as Diddy, activists and observers in the music industry hope that the time has come for a broader examination of conscience.

The powerful American rapper and producer is accused of using his music empire to rape or sexually assault more than a hundred people, using alcohol and drugs to force their submission. Another recent complaint targets a different industry figure, country king Garth Brooks, accused of rape by a former hair and makeup artist – accusations he denies.

Five years ago, the heavy revelations concerning R&B star R. Kelly, accused of numerous sex crimes, particularly against teenage girls, had pushed several media outlets to question a change in the industry. The singer, now a fallen star, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sex crimes, child pornography and embezzlement of a minor.

Few changes have been observed since then in this industry which has long rhymed with sex and drugs and rock’n’roll. Singer Marilyn Manson, rap mogul Russell Simmons, DJ Diplo, producer Dr. Luke have also been accused of sexual violence, like many other powerful men in the industry. Without really any repercussions.

A “pass” for rock stars?

« There’s this privilege we give to rock stars »analyzes Caroline Heldman, professor at Californian University Occidental College and co-founder of the Sound Off Coalition, which fights against sexual violence in the music industry. Many victims “internalized” this « cliché of the rock star » and consider « that they should have expected bad behavior (from them), because he was a rock star »she explains.

For Kate Grover, professor at Washington and Lee University, these stars are also crowned with an image of “genius”, particularly pronounced in the musical world. « Once we call someone a genius, it somehow creates a notion of rarity »the individual being considered too talented to fail, continues this teacher who studies the influence of gender in the music industry.

In this environment, women « are considered much more disposable than men »she points out. The color of the skin and the status of the victim – famous or not – also plays a role in the resonance these cases of sexual violence obtain, experts point out. In the case of the R. Kelly affair, the victims were black teenagers and women « who didn’t have the same celebrity power that many of the actresses who came out against Harvey Weinstein had »notes Ms. Grover.

Real empires

The most famous music stars have often built veritable empires and « employ people who help them in their years of perpetration » of these crimes, says Caroline Heldman. The recent affair surrounding Diddy, initiated by the complaint of his ex-partner, the singer Cassie, « truly testifies to the power of certain people in the music industry to mobilize their notoriety and resources to silence » the victims, believes the professor.

After Cassie’s complaint, other figures in the industry were sued. « Deep-rooted rape culture and misogyny in the music industry pose a real threat to the safety of so many »denounced singer Tiffany Red in December. « How can we expect meaningful change when leaders and superstars are accused of these crimes? ? »

Especially since a disruptive commercial phenomenon exists, underlines Caroline Heldman. R. Kelly’s sales jumped more than 500% after his conviction and Diddy’s music saw an 18.3% increase on listening platforms the week of his arrest, according to the company Luminate. A trend which can be explained in part by the curiosity aroused by the media coverage of affairs, but also by the support of their bases, she believes.

« In my years of working with (victims of sexual violence) from many backgrounds, I have never seen anything like the dedication fans have for musical artists »assures the academic. According to her, an artist who committed such crimes « now knows that he no longer has the right to make mistakes. »