UPDATE: This has been edited to omit specific names in the interest of due process, even though we acknowledge that this information is already out in the public sphere and easily obtainable.
Open Door Policy has recently been made aware of allegations made by Hartebeest against one of WhySound’s co-owners and has been closely monitoring the situation as it evolves. We’re also aware of the counter-allegations against one of Hartebeest’s members.
What we are doing
In light of everything, we have told WhySound that those who have had accusations leveled against them will not be allowed on the premises for our upcoming show.
We have also received a verbal commitment from WhySound that they will do a new round of training on consent before our show – a training I plan to be a part of, both to independently verify that it is happening, and to be better educated on the topic myself.
In the longer term, we insist that WhySound “implement a new culture of respect, accountability, and responsibility” – and publicly outline how this will be achieved.
One change we personally suggest is installing, and regularly promoting, an independent channel, not connected to anyone at WhySound, where people can submit concerns and complaints regarding WhySound staff, owners, and bands. This will ensure that people can feel safe in bringing forward complaints – and bands can be vetted as well.
What we recommend WhySound and Hartebeest do
Additionally, we would encourage everyone involved to share their receipts, as, so far, this entire situation has been murky – and possibly bring in legal counsel or law enforcement, if necessary.
Hartebeest mentioned in a public post that several credible allegations have been made against the WhySound co-owner. When we asked WhySound about this, we were told that these allegations were investigated and they found nothing. We then saw allegations from another member of the music community that one of Hartebeest’s members has been kicked from two bands for their grooming behavior and has a history of allegations spanning several years and people.
In order to ensure that patrons and colleagues can make the most informed decisions possible regarding their involvement with WhySound and/or Hartebeest, it would be good for all parties involved to publicly release any relevant meeting notes, investigatory steps and conclusions, text messages, band names, dates of offenses, written testimony, and other evidence that has been mentioned.
The bottom line
The members of Open Door Policy have long been vocal about listening to victims. However, we’re also strong believers in due process. As bystanders, it’s hard to know who or what to believe in this particular situation given the back-and-forth accusations and lack of clarity from those involved.
But one thing we can say with absolute certainty: It never hurts to teach people about consent and promote a safe and inclusive music scene. Regardless of the truth, it is clear that there are people who don’t feel safe around these individuals – and, speaking as a PR and marketing professional, in this era of cancel culture and virtue signaling, if neither of them can be cleared of these allegations with transparency, WhySound and Hartebeest should seriously reconsider their involvement with them.
As for us and our upcoming show, as long as the accused aren’t there, and WhySound follows through on training staff about consent beforehand, we feel confident that we’ll be providing a safe and inclusive place for everyone to enjoy some great music on April 19.
Sincerely,
Casey Rock and Open Door Policy