Pop star Ashanti has made startling claims about a distressing encounter with a music producer who allegedly made inappropriate demands.
The 42-year-old singer disclosed this on the 'Breakfast Club' radio show, revealing that the producer insisted they shower together or face paying him $40,000 for each track they collaborated on.
Ashanti explained that the situation occurred with a producer she had been working with for several weeks. Initially, he had stated that he wouldn't charge her, but when it was time to include the tracks on the album, he suddenly demanded they take a shower together. She initially thought he was joking, but it turned out to be a serious and uncomfortable proposition.
Host Charlamagne that God expressed shock upon hearing the revelation. Ashanti, taking action to handle the situation, spoke up about the incident.
Although Ashanti did not disclose the producer's name, she had previously mentioned the same incident in 2018. She had turned down a producer who had a crush on her, and afterward, he hiked the price of the track significantly. Ashanti's family intervened, and the producer apologized by giving her three records for free, two of which were mixed and mastered without charge.
S- harassment in the music industry remains a significant issue, with many female singers speaking out about their experiences. A study by the University of Southern California's Annenberg Inclusion Initiative revealed the underrepresentation of female musicians in popular music. From 2012 to 2019, women accounted for only 21.7% of artists and 12.5% of songwriters. The representation of women of color was even lower, with only 7.9% of artists and 2.6% of songwriters being women of color.
The study also highlighted the objectification of women in the music industry, a disturbing trend that needs to be addressed. Ashanti's story, unfortunately, is not an isolated case, emphasizing the pressing need for the industry to confront and combat harassment and discrimination.
The #MeToo movement has shed light on such issues, prompting calls for more significant actions to ensure that women in the music industry are treated with respect and dignity. Ashanti's revelations serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all artists. The music industry must take concrete steps to address these concerns and support the well-being and professional growth of its female talents.
