Annie told the House of Commons committee that an alarming number of stories have yet to emerge. Her further comments on the music industry were that it was a “boys club” and “the system is kind of rigged against women.”

Author of the new book The Mess We’re In, Annie Mac, gave evidence to the committee at the House of Commons, where she told them of a young singer and a record producer who kept asking her not to go home, and “then when they go out in the street, he sexually assaulted her,” she said.

@itvnews DJ Annie Mac says music industry has ‘tidal wave’ of sexual abuse cases and is ‘boys’ club’ #itvnews #anniemac #music ♬ original sound – itvnews

Musicians Union published survey evidence to UK Parliament in 2022, were the idea of the music sector being a “boys club” was reported in the latest stats. They MU published this statement, “Respondents to the MU 2022 snapshot survey commented on the lack of women in workplaces across the sector and a distinct lack of female role models and women in leadership positions. More than one participant commented “it’s a boys club”. This emerged as a main theme and one of the reasons why respondents felt that many cultures and working environments in the music industry are misogynistic by nature” “The 2020 UK Music Diversity Taskforce survey found that in there is an underrepresentation of women in senior positions within the sector. Women represent 40.4% of the sector at senior level. “

Musicians Union is the UK’s trade union for all musicians across the UK, working in all sectors of the music business. They help members negotiate with major employers in the industry and offer a range of support services for musicians; however, most are unaware of them.

Annie further comments, “There needs to be some sort of a shift in women feeling like they’re able to speak out without their careers being compromised.”

Further reports from the MU snapshot survey presented statistics on sexual harassment. At 48%, almost half of the 800 musicians surveyed reported sexual harassment; 58% said they had witnessed sexual harassment; 85% had experienced sexual harassment but did not report it; and 40% did not report it for fear of losing work.

Macmanus told the MP’s “That is that women, especially young women in the music industry, are consistently underestimated and undermined, and freelance women are consistently put in situations where they are unsafe.”

Findings by the Musician Union allegedly found that there were power imbalance’s between freelancers and the people who engage them. The common views of many members during the survey said “When a freelancer relies on an individual for work, they are less likely to speak out.”

Misogyny in the music industry, suggests it may spread further than just alleged claims of a sexual nature but to supposed pay gaps, mental health, a lack of access to professional training and development, and being passed over for promotions. These alleged claims come from Be The Change case study of sexual harassment in the music industry in 2023.

The UK Parliament Women and Equalities Committee launched its ‘Misogyny in Music’. This brought in evidence from the BBC, that last year only one in ten headliners were female at the UK’s top music festivals. It also has MP’s asking questions about the safety of female musicians at UK music festivals.

Annie Mac said she has not “experienced or witnessed any sexual misconduct firsthand.” and believes her 19 years working with the BBC provided her with a “shield of protection to talk about such issues.” but most concerning she added “The thing that worries me the most is the rapes that are going unreported. That’s what concerns me the most – the fact that women feel like they can’t speak up.”

To purchase Annie Macmanus’s new book click the link here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Annie Mac (@anniemacmanus)

Annie MacManus (known as Annie Mac) presents Future Sounds on BBC Radio 1 weekdays from 6pm and dance music show on Fridays nights. After her last day she will be replaced by Clara Amfo on Future Sounds and Friday night show will be hosted by Danny Howard.Clara shared on her Instagram: “I am beyond honoured and ready to start this exciting new chapter on Radio 1, I’m such a fan of this show, the artists that is has championed and to be receiving the baton from @anniemacmanus who I love and respect makes it extra special for me”. 

Annie has received a great number of praises and thanks from fans, musicians and artists. Fellow radio presenter Abbie MacCarthy commented: “Proper end of an era!! a total inspiration, look forward to the next chapter for you”, rapper AJ Tracey added: “thank you for everything Annie! you’ve always supported me so much and you’re one of the nicest and most genuine people i’ve ever had the pleasure of being on (and off) air with all the best with your new chapter”. 

Last month Annie Mac announced her debut novel ‘Mother Mother’ that will be out on 27th May and it’s available to pre-order here. In a short video the says: “It’s a book about grief and addiction and family and all the highs and lows that come with being part of a family, a motherless family. And it’s also a book about growth and redemption and enduring love.”

My debut novel, Mother Mother is out on 27th May and is available to pre-order now! https://t.co/qO9nZ3Iis9 pic.twitter.com/QtCenQ3Euv

— Annie Mac (@anniemacmanus) March 6, 2021