Is the music industry finally set for its #MeToo moment?

In part, it is because the music industry is all about the individual. If a Hollywood A-lister becomes damaged goods, the film industry wheel does not stop turning. Even if an actor is synonymous with a certain role or franchise, movies can be re-cast and re-edited. But the music industry is built on far more precarious pillars. A pop star is the centre of their own miniature economy of records, shows, merchandise and promotion. Without them, the entire brand is worthless.

At the heart of the #MeToo movement has been the debate over how to separate the art from the artist and it appears to be an even more difficult question in music. There are countless stories from the latter half of the 20th century of dubious, unethical and often illegal behaviour involving enormously famous musicians and often underage women. Like with so many incidents from the past, these things are often dismissed as having taken place in “a different time” in order that we can continue to enjoy the music.

The accepted construct of the “troubled genius” tells us that being brilliant comes hand in hand with being difficult, and even dangerous. Deeply ingrained groupie culture has allowed the rapture of teenage fandom – the screaming, the fainting, the homemade posters – to be manipulated and exploited. The mantra of “sex, drugs and rock and roll” has conditioned that great music is forged from outrageous, glamorous and scandalous behaviour. 

The gulf in power between famous musicians and the fans that deify them is vast and nobody on the planet is as indulged and worshipped as a pop or rock star at the height of their fame. 

For someone like Manson, who has cultivated a fervent fandom that has long been ready to defend their provocative idol, the careful construction of a persona or alter ego seemingly allows that person to behave in ways that would be deemed unacceptable in almost any sphere. But within the music industry, it is viewed as simply part of the act. When somebody’s image and career is built on – and celebrated for – pushing boundaries, that person might begin to believe that they are operating outside of the system.

There is no shortage of high profile cases like Wood’s. Lady Gaga was 19 years old when a male producer threatened to burn all her music unless she took her clothes off. He raped her, which resulted in a pregnancy, and years later she suffered a “total psychotic break” from the trauma. She has chosen not to name her attacker. There is Kesha, creatively trapped and in a seemingly endless legal battle with music producer, Dr Luke, the man she alleges raped and emotionally abused her. Dr Luke denies these allegations.

In 2017, Taylor Swift won her legal case against radio personality David Mueller who she accused of groping her while a photo was being taken in 2013. She asked for a symbolic $1 in damages and her attorney explained this was to send the following message: “It means ‘no means no’ and it tells every woman they will decide what will be tolerated with their body.”.