Set the tone: together for a safe and inclusive music sector.
We create a safe music sector together
Transgressive behavior takes many forms. Think of sexual abuse, verbal abuse, intimidation, bullying, and exclusion. However, it also includes less obvious things, such as making comments or "jokes" about someone's appearance, sexual orientation, religion, or ethnicity. Seemingly harmless, these can be just as hurtful. If you are a victim or witness to this, or if something else happens that makes you feel uncomfortable, talk about it! You can do this with the person in question, your manager, and your HR professional, or contact a hotline or confidential counselor. Silence never helps, but talking often does. Each of us can make a difference.
Why is it important to set the tone?
There is no place for inappropriate behaviour in the music industry.
We all have a role to play in making that happen. How? By speaking up against inappropriate and transgressive behaviour, helping to create a safe and inclusive sector where everyone feels they belong.
Experiencing inappropriate or transgressive behaviour often has serious consequences for those affected. In addition to a range of psychological and/or physical impacts, many respondents reported tangible effects on their careers. Some resigned or were dismissed, others had their contracts terminated or not renewed, and some received poor or no references as a result.
Unwanted behaviour in the music industry often goes unreported, frequently because victims fear the consequences of speaking up. Yet reporting such behaviour is essential. It helps address the problem and can prevent others from becoming victims as well.
Speak up if you experience something inappropriate or witness it happening to someone else. Support the person affected, or contact Mores for advice or to get in touch with a confidential adviser. As an employer or client, you can take action to create a safe working environment.
Together, we set the tone and make the music sector a safe place for everyone.
How often does it occur?
30%
has experienced inappropriate or transgressive behaviour within the past three years
50%
say they have consciously adjusted their own behaviour
Awareness is growing.
Physical forms of inappropriate and transgressive behaviour appear to have decreased. Social norms are shifting, in part because people are increasingly holding one another accountable for their behaviour.
68%
notice that something has changed in the sector
54%
of bystanders do not report anything when they witness inappropriate behaviour
Emotional and verbal misconduct remains persistent.
Intimidation, belittling, and coercive behaviour have hardly decreased. These remain the most common forms of inappropriate behaviour and are often normalised.
These findings are based on Movisie’s 2026 study on inappropriate and transgressive behaviour in the music sector.
