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Silence is Not an Option: UK Music Industry Unites Against Racism and Intolerance

We’ve signed an open letter urging the music industry to speak out and eradicate racism, along with over 700 artists, managers, producers and companies.

Published: 03 August 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
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The statement comes following a series of events and incidents from anti-black racists and antisemites.

We’ve joined up with more than 700 artists, managers, producers and companies from across the UK music industry who have issued an urgent rallying call for unity against division and hatred.

Prompted by too many examples of racism and intolerance – most recently the sustained anti-Jewish outbursts and the horrific incidents that led to the BLM movement – the open letter urges everyone in the industry to speak out and eradicate racism.

The statement comes following a series of events and incidents from anti-black racists and antisemites, as well as from those who advocate islamophobia, xenophobia, homophobia and transphobia.

The letter acknowledges that minorities have suffered and have painful collective memories. It goes on to identify that all forms of racism have the same roots – ignorance, lack of education and scapegoating.

The statement includes the following call to action: “We, the British music industry are proudly uniting to amplify our voices, to take responsibility, to speak out and stand together in solidarity. Silence is not an option.”

The signatories include artists The 1975, Nile Rodgers, Lewis Capaldi, MNEK, Rita Ora, Clean Bandit, Labrinth, Little Mix, Ashnikko, NAO, Biffy Clyro, Mabel, Years & Years, Jess Glynne, Jonas Blue, Niall Horan, James Blunt, Naughty Boy, Grace Carter, Yungblud, and Joy Crookes.

Read a copy of the open letter, as well as a full list of the signatories.

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