NEW YORK (AP) — The music industry hasn't been rocked with as many public allegations of sexual misconduct as Hollywood, but insiders are still seeking to show solidarity with the #MeToo movement on its biggest night.
Key executives have called on artists and employees alike to wear a white rose on Sunday in support of Time's Up as the Grammys celebrate its 60th anniversary with a ceremony in New York City. The Time's Up organization was formed by key Hollywood celebrities and executives including Reese Witherspoon, Shonda Rhimes and America Ferrera, and most stars wore black and a Time's Up pin in support at the Golden Globes earlier this month.
Among those artists who have already confirmed they will wear the rose on Sunday include Dua Lipa and Halsey, who read an emotional poem detailing sexual abuse at a Women's March rally a few days ago. More names are expected to be released Thursday.
The women gathered others for a meeting on Monday and by Wednesday, sent out an initial email urging people to wear the white rose, and also noted that Rapsody, the only woman nominated for best rap album, would be doing so.
"We choose the white rose because historically it stands for hope, peace, sympathy and resistance," read the email. "Please let us know if we can add your name to our list of supporters. The world is listening."
In a matter of hours, there were hundreds of names who had confirmed, said Harkins. The push was buoyed by the support of the co-chairs at Atlantic Records, Julie Greenwald and Craig Kallman. Greenwald sent the missive out to staff, a rep for the label confirmed.
The white rose was also chosen in part because it could be done quickly but also because of the color has been long used as part of the women's suffragette movement; Hillary Clinton wore white when she accepted the Democratic nomination for president in 2018.
Music mogul Russell Simmons is perhaps the biggest industry name that has been accused of sexual misconduct; former Epic label head L.A. Reid has also faced accusations. But compared to film, TV or even politics, the scandals have been relatively few in music, wondering many to ask when the reckoning will come to that industry.
"It's a legitimate question. I don't know the answer," said Harkins. She added: "If and when it comes, we want to be super proactive. . We are being loud in our voices before a crisis, so we can avert a crisis."