In the current tense social and political climate, musicians have been as vocal as ever about their feelings related to the issues of the moment. Most notably in recent days, Halsey gave a moving speech that poetically addressed her experience with sexual abuse. Now, she and other music industry figures will make their voices heard again with a powerful statement at the Grammys.
Organized by Meg Harkins, Roc Nation senior VP, and Karen Rait, rhythmic promotion at Interscope/Geffen/A&M Records, the demonstration will feature participants wearing white roses as a sign of solidarity with the #TimesUp movement. So far, Halsey, Kelly Clarkson, Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, Tom Morello, Cyndi Lauper, and others will either participate in the demonstration or have expressed their support. Harkins told Billboard that this is a topic that needs to be addressed on multiple fronts:
“It is an important conversation politically in our country and it’s also a conversation we need to have internally with our artists and our companies. We need to say if anyone is feeling like they’re being discriminated against and they don’t feel safe in their workplace, they have people who will support them.”
Rait added that the Grammys is one of the best opportunities to bring awareness to these issues:
“Music artists have a lot of impact…. So it’s only fitting that that music’s biggest night show the support for equality and safety in the workplace and that people need to be cognizant of their fellow employees.”
Check out the full list of this year’s Grammy nominees here.
