Michael Franti splits with management company amidst Victoria Canal sexual abuse allegations
Michael Franti has reportedly split from his longtime management company, following allegations of sexual abuse put forward by Victoria Canal.
The allegations were put forward by Canal last week, where she claimed that someone that she previously worked with had sexually abused and groomed her. She did not name the person in the post, but rather said that he was a “very powerful, decades-older man [who] plucked me out of the internet, and college, and invited me on my first professional opportunity”.
She added that “as redemptive” as it would feel, she would did not want to mention him by name, as she couldn’t risk the “financial loss or emotional terror a lawsuit would bring”.
Later, singer-songwriter Michael Franti put forward a statement regarding the allegations, saying that he had been involved in a “romantic relationship” outside his marriage with an artist he worked with.
“I’m aware of the recent posts this artist made about our relationship, and while I support her need to express herself publicly, the relationship was completely consensual, based on mutual feelings and attraction,” he said.“I vehemently dispute any version of the story that says otherwise.”
Shortly after Canal’s post was shared, Tank And The Bangas announced that they’d dropped off their upcoming tour supporting Michael Franti & Spearhead. Then, artists scheduled to play at Soulshine At Sea – including Dispatch, Maggie Rose, Hirie, and Liz Vice – then announced they would be withdrawing from the cruise because of the allegations, and the event was then axed.
Now, it seems that Franti has parted ways with his management company Activist Artist Management. The reports were first shared by Billboard, which claimed that multiple sources confirmed the news.
The singer had been a client to the company for just under 10 years, and has reportedly parted ways with the company due to the allegations.
Billboard shared that representatives for Activist Artist Management declined to comment. NME has reached out for a statement too.
Canal went on to respond to Franti’s statement, “vehemently denying” the claims she put forward.
In her update, she shared that it was “challenging to read given the truth of my experience”, but thanked her fans for the support.
“I’m just truly grateful to be heard by a lot of you and supported in that healing. My life is mine, not his – and it feels monumental to reclaim that,” she wrote. “All I can ask of myself is to stay present and enjoy my life, now that I’ve set myself, and the truth, free. What happens from now is not for me to carry on my shoulders.”
“I had no agenda for sharing my story – I simply want to let go, and to let young women entering the world of music know to keep their eyes open and protect themselves,” she added.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
The post Michael Franti splits with management company amidst Victoria Canal sexual abuse allegations appeared first on NME.
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