A new study found that half of the musicians face sexual harassment. More than 30,000 musicians polled found that 85% of victims experienced harassment. Regardless of the industry culture, female musicians deserve respect. However, due to contract work, it is difficult to report the harassment.

About Sexual Harassment

In 2017, close to 13,000 Americans filed sexual harassment complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). There are different forms of sexual harassment. Sometimes, this creates a hostile work environment when there is severe and ongoing sexually offensive behavior. There are different liability rules. However, federal, state and municipal laws clearly prohibit harassment based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Musicians & Sexual Harassment

Musicians are urging reviews of freelancer contracts. Many fear losing work after harassment since employers can hire and fire without cause. For example, a woman interviewed said she was one of ten women harassed by a major employer in the industry. Yet, no one did anything about it.
Those who have come forward now face defamation cases in court. However, many survivors often cannot speak out since consequences can be devastating. These musicians become “blacklisted” and won’t be hired.  Yet, perpetrators don’t see any fallback.

Sexual Harassment Attorney

Therefore, if you have experienced sexual harassment in any form in the workplace, you should contact a qualified employment attorney as soon as possible. If the harassment has not stopped after making a formal complaint with your employer, consulting a harassment lawyer is your best option. Your attorney will be able to provide further guidance and help build a case to end the harassment.