Is this type of behavior illegal, or should this be looked at as “part of the business”?
Sexual harassment and abuse of authority is not only disgusting but it’s both patently illegal and, at any AGMA company, a violation of the collective bargaining agreement. It’s most certainly not an appropriate “part of the business.” AGMA believes that what hurts one singer anywhere hurts all singers everywhere, and we are thus prepared to act immediately and aggressively to combat both sexual harassment and any other form of illegal or discriminatory conduct inflicted on any singer.
What should a singer do who finds himself or herself in a questionable situation with a fellow colleague?
Any singer who finds herself or himself propositioned, or subject to any sort of unwanted sexual or offensive conduct, should report it immediately.
Whom can/should a singer go to should this type of thing occur?
AGMA members can report it to us and we will immediately pursue all available means to punish the offender, remedy the situation, and prevent its reoccurrence. Singers who are not yet members of AGMA can likewise report it to us and we can advise them of the appropriate steps to take. Such reports are handled on an entirely confidential basis and no one should remain a victim out of fear. Any singers with
problems like these can contact me, directly and confidentially, at AGMANY@aol.com. You’re a victim only if you stay silent.
Can a singer be “blacklisted” for reporting an incident?
Contrary to what may be a common impression, artists are not “blacklisted” for standing up for their rights. Rather, any sort of retaliation against an artist for making such a complaint is, in itself, also illegal.
