Written evidence submitted by Katie Waissel [MiM0057]
Introduction:
I, Katie Waissel, am submitting my evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee to address the prevalent issue of misogyny in the music industry.
The music industry, a vibrant and influential sphere, has long grappled with systemic issues that perpetuate the marginalisation of female artists. Despite the undeniable talent and contributions of women, the prevalence of misogyny casts a shadow over their careers, hindering their professional growth and reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
Please accept my evidence which highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by female musicians, with a particular focus on the lack of seriousness they often encounter, the disturbing lack of impartiality by law enforcement, and the concerning prevalence of Non-Disclosure Agreements. My journey serves as an unveiling of the harsh realities faced by female artists, ranging from dismissive attitudes to distressing assaults. These experiences underscore the urgency for comprehensive reform, emphasising the need for a transformative cultural shift within the industry.
The Issue of Not Being Taken Seriously:
One of the glaring problems faced by female artists in the music industry is the persistent struggle to be taken seriously. This issue manifests in various ways, from dismissive attitudes in professional settings to the undermining of artistic credibility. My own experiences echo this sentiment. During my times as a female artist, I faced instances where my talent was overshadowed by superficial judgments based on appearance, perpetuating harmful stereotypes that undermine my legitimacy. These experiences began at a tender age, around 16, when a much older man grabbed me and placed me on his lap in the recording studio while we were reviewing a track I was recording. The unsettling encounters didn't end there; often, I was directed to attend certain events or places, paraded around, and explicitly told to keep quiet. This imperative to 'keep quiet' became a recurring theme, emblematic of the prevailing notion that a woman's role was to be seen and not heard.
These early episodes not only stifled my artistic expression but also left an enduring impact, revealing a pervasive culture that objectified and silenced female artists. They underscore the urgent need for a profound cultural shift within the industry, challenging the deeply ingrained gender biases that perpetuate such harmful behaviours.
Furthermore, my personal journey in the industry involved being treated as a commodity rather than an artist with intrinsic value. During my time on the X Factor UK, I found myself entangled in a complex web of contracts, each serving as either a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or confidentiality agreement. XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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When I was asked to return to the X Factor in 2014 for a performance, I was introduced to an employee of the company by the XXXXXXXX. During a subsequent meeting in Los Angeles to discuss song writing for the company's signed artists XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, a distressing incident occurred where I was sexually assaulted. To compound the situation, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX the aforementioned company, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX failed to take appropriate action. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX perpetuating a culture of impunity within the very ranks meant to ensure the well-being of artists.
Impartiality by Law Enforcement:
Beyond the industry itself, the lack of impartiality by law enforcement exacerbates the challenges faced by female musicians. Instances of harassment, abuse, and assault are unfortunately not uncommon, and the justice system's response to such incidents often falls short. In my own experiences, seeking justice for instances of harassment proved to be an uphill battle, with a prevailing sense that the system was ill-equipped to address the unique challenges faced by women in the music industry.
Law enforcement agencies must adopt a more proactive and unbiased approach to addressing allegations of misconduct within the music industry. My personal experiences have underscored the need for a comprehensive and sensitive response to these issues, emphasising the importance of creating an environment where artists feel safe and supported when coming forward with their experiences.
Conclusion:
The music industry's struggle with misogyny remains a pressing issue that demands urgent attention and comprehensive reform. Female musicians, should not have to navigate an environment where they are consistently not taken seriously, and where justice is elusive. By sharing personal experiences, we shed light on the lived realities of female artists, contributing to the collective effort to dismantle the barriers that hinder the full and equitable participation of women in music.
These experiences, including being treated as a commodity, navigating complex contracts, and enduring assault, underscore the urgent need for a profound cultural shift within the industry. The pervasive culture that objectifies and silences female artists must be challenged at its core. The incidents I've faced, from dismissive attitudes to distressing assaults, are emblematic of the deeply ingrained gender biases that persist within the industry.
It is time for a transformative cultural shift within the industry and a commitment to accountability. Every artist, regardless of gender, deserves to thrive in an environment that values and celebrates their contributions. As we strive for change, it is crucial to challenge the status quo, amplify the voices of those who have been silenced, and foster an inclusive and respectful culture within the music industry. Only through collective efforts can we break free from the shackles of misogyny and pave the way for a more equitable and empowering future for all.
December 2023
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