Parliament Report Calls for Ban on NDAs in Music Industry to Combat Misogyny

A recent parliamentary investigation in the UK has proposed banning non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) within the music industry to address the pervasive “culture of misogyny” present in the field.

Earlier this month, the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) released a report titled “Misogyny In Music: On Repeat,” which identifies the misuse of NDAs as a “significant concern.” These agreements are reportedly used to silence victims of harassment and abuse in the industry.

A government spokesperson stated to The Guardian: “The music industry must be free from misogyny and discrimination, and NDAs should not be weaponized to silence victims. We are actively exploring all options for reforming NDAs.”

In a related report issued last year, the WEC highlighted that women in the music industry endure “endemic” misogyny and discriminatory practices, urging immediate action to address these issues. It described the environment as a “boys’ club,” rife with incidents of sexual harassment and abuse, many of which go unreported.

The WEC’s latest findings emphasize the need to outlaw NDAs in cases of sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment, and discrimination against protected characteristics. Furthermore, the committee suggested that the government consider a retrospective moratorium on existing NDAs related to these matters.

Despite these findings, the previous Conservative government declined to implement the proposed recommendations, even while asserting that the music industry should be a safe environment free from misogyny. In contrast, the Labour Party committed to adopting the committee’s report during its annual conference last September.

The WEC’s investigations underscore ongoing challenges women face in the music industry, including limited opportunities, lack of support, and persistent pay inequalities, particularly affecting those confronting additional barriers due to racial discrimination. The report reveals that female artists often find their contributions undervalued and are subjected to undue focus on their appearance, contrasting sharply with the experiences of their male counterparts.