Edge of Fame Live: #MeToo and the Music Industry

June 01, 2018

A protester carries a sign prior to a concert featuring R. Kelly in Greensboro, N.C., Friday, May 11, 2018. The group was demonstrating to protest Kelly's appearance in light of longstanding allegations of sexual misconduct and the decision by coliseum officials to proceed with the concert. Kelly denies abusing anyone and faces no current criminal charges. (AP Photo/Skip Foreman)

Is it really only about drugs, sex and rock n roll?

The #MeToo movement has brought about a reckoning across fields—movies, television, media, tech, academia, finance, even the restaurant industry. Why is the music industry so behind?

R. Kelly was acquitted of child pornography charges in 2008 and has a long list of abuse allegations. But he’s still selling out arenas and his record deal is intact. Antonio “L.A.” Reid was forced to leave Epic Records after allegations of “unlawful harassment” but months later announced he has a new label and a roster of major talent. Three women have accused hip hop mogul Russell Simmons of rape. The singer Kesha sued producer Dr. Luke, claiming he "sexually, physically, verbally, and emotionally abused" her. This is just the beginning of a long list of names and allegations.

Join Geoff Edgers, national arts reporter for the Washington Post and host of the Edge of Fame podcast, on Monday, June 4th at 8pm at Laugh Boston. Guests include:

Kenyette Barnes, co-founder of the #MuteRKelly movement
Renee Graham, columnist for the Boston Globe, author of "Black women are waiting for their #MeToo moment"
Jim DeRogatis, veteran music critic whose coverage of Kelly’s alleged behavior dates back to 2000.

For tickets and more information go here.