They are made to feel that they’re dispensable, while the male exec, the manager, the artist – those who make the money or control it – are not. To do anything more could spell the end of a hard-fought-for career. And the women, by and large, keep their heads down. There have been comments from bosses about the tightness of their tops their backs have been stroked suggestively at gigs they’ve had sexually suggestive comments whispered to them at awards parties. In some offices, women say they have seen men watching porn on their computers, and openly discussing masturbation. Interested in developing a music act and becoming an A&R exec? Want to fly around the world promoting an artist’s work as a PR? More likely than not, you will have to demonstrate you’re good for a laugh, can schmooze with the best of them, can get on with the man who’s likely to be your boss – and, perhaps, turn a blind eye to any shenanigans. For a long time, men have held the keys to the glamorous, fun and sexy world of music-making. Why? The issue of industry gatekeepers came up with almost all the women I’ve spoken to within music – and I’ve spoken to scores, from interns right up to executives and managers of Grammy and Brit award-winning acts. Yet the #MeToo movement, which led to the downfall of the film producer Harvey Weinstein and other powerful figures, seems to have bypassed the music industry entirely, even though many people I’ve spoken to believe it is even worse than Hollywood. Part of the problem is that proving allegations of sexual misconduct is notoriously hard, especially if those accused are powerful and extremely litigious. It seems those at the top are only moved to act when there’s a major scandal (and therefore serious negative publicity) brewing. What I learned from making my film, and in my research for a follow-up documentary, is that across the music industry, there is a problem with sexism, misogyny and sexual misconduct. Last year I spoke to women across the industry for another BBC Three film, Music’s Dirty Secrets, and many stories mirrored those told by Westwood’s accusers.
As I listened to the testimony of the seven women who came forward, I had a strong sense of deja vu. T hanks to a joint investigation by BBC Three and the Guardian, allegations of sexual misconduct against the DJ Tim Westwood – claims he firmly denies – are finally being heard.