Home to some of history's finest pop musicmakers, Sweden has come under fire for rampant sexual misconduct in its music industry. More than 2,000 women have signed an open letter alleging widespread sexual abuse and harassment, and calling for major changes to be made.
The letter was published last week in Dagens Nyheter, and though the number of signatures was originally counted at 1,993, more women have since added their names to the list.
Amongst the high-profile artists who have lent their names to the letter are Robyn, Tove Lo, Johanna and Klara Söderberg of First Aid Kit, and Nina Persson of the Cardigans.
The letter details a working environment where employment is often "unsafe and temporary" and requires "work around the clock," making women in the music business particularly vulnerable.
"This makes women in the music industry targets for [interactions] that are often of a sexual nature," it reads. "We live in a life where the law of consent is still far away, where we are objectified and where sexual abuse and harassment are more common than [not]."
The letter goes on to demand "zero tolerance against sexual exploitation and violence," as well as professional repercussions for those who commit sexual abuse and violence.
In closing, the letter declares: "We will support all the stories we have shared with and have learned. We will continue to listen to each other and support each other. We will lay the shame where it belongs — with the perpetrator and those who protect him."
Read the complete letter (in Swedish) here and see the full list of signatures here.
In related news, following shocking reports of rampant sexual assault at music festivals in Sweden, comedian and radio presenter Emma Knyckare announced plans to host a "man-free" music festival next summer.
The letter was published last week in Dagens Nyheter, and though the number of signatures was originally counted at 1,993, more women have since added their names to the list.
Amongst the high-profile artists who have lent their names to the letter are Robyn, Tove Lo, Johanna and Klara Söderberg of First Aid Kit, and Nina Persson of the Cardigans.
The letter details a working environment where employment is often "unsafe and temporary" and requires "work around the clock," making women in the music business particularly vulnerable.
"This makes women in the music industry targets for [interactions] that are often of a sexual nature," it reads. "We live in a life where the law of consent is still far away, where we are objectified and where sexual abuse and harassment are more common than [not]."
The letter goes on to demand "zero tolerance against sexual exploitation and violence," as well as professional repercussions for those who commit sexual abuse and violence.
In closing, the letter declares: "We will support all the stories we have shared with and have learned. We will continue to listen to each other and support each other. We will lay the shame where it belongs — with the perpetrator and those who protect him."
Read the complete letter (in Swedish) here and see the full list of signatures here.
In related news, following shocking reports of rampant sexual assault at music festivals in Sweden, comedian and radio presenter Emma Knyckare announced plans to host a "man-free" music festival next summer.
