The Veronicas, Courtney Barnett and others call out sexism in Australian music industry

The musicians have signed an open letter calling for change

More than 300 women from across the Australian music industry have signed an open letter in a bid to end sexual assault and discrimination.

Centred around the hashtag #meNOmore, the letter recounts several anonymous experiences of sexism and abuse in the music industry from artists, managers, label employees and others.

The extensive list of names includes The Veronicas (sisters Lisa and Jessica Origliasso) and the singer Courtney Barnett.

https://twitter.com/Jessicaveronica/status/940440980406263808

“We are not whingers or vibe-killers,” the letter reads. “We are passionate people dedicating our lives to music. In the face of uncountable discrimination, harassment, violence, and the general menace of sexist jargon, we have gritted our teeth and gotten on with the job. But today we say, no more.”

It continues: “Together, we give a voice to these issues and demand zero tolerance for sexual harassment, violence, objectification and sexist behaviours. There is no place for sexual entitlement in the workplace and in our industry. Change starts today.”

The Australian #meNOmore letter credits its inspiration as a similar letter published by a number of women from the Swedish music industry last month.

The Swedish letter was signed by 2912 women, including Zara Larsson, Robyn and Tove Lo.

Praising the Swedish letter, the #meNOmore campaigners write: “In its honesty and precision, it relays an experience which is so often hard to pinpoint or qualify.”

The open letters follow the multitude of women coming forward with stories of sexual misconduct under the #MeToo hashtag, prompted by the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

Cara Delevingne, Lupita Nyong’o and Rose McGowan are among the actresses to accuse the Hollywood producer of inappropriate sexual behaviour.

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