Grammy CEO, Neil Portnow, issues statement following backlash after speech

[Scathach 6,674]

15 minutes ago, DiscoHeaven23 said:

Female executives signed a letter calling for his regisnation today

Bye Felicia we want a new committee and new voters 

 

[Bebe 17,094]

" I also now realize that it's about more than just my words. Because those words, while not reflective of my beliefs, echo the real experience of too many women"

No... You said what you believed. Let's stop pretending that, when we say something we regret, we were speaking without intention... If you didn't believe that women needed to step up, you wouldn't have said it. If your beliefs have changed then great, but at least admit it was your thinking that was wrong not just your detached words. That's so cowardly to me. 

For those who forgot this was his original comment:

"I think it has to begin with women who have the creativity in their hearts and souls, who want to be musicians, who want to be engineers, who want to be producers, who want to be part of the industry on the executive level to step up. Because I think they would be welcome."

That's you holding this belief that if women just stepped up there would be no gender discrepancy when it came to Grammy nominations and wins because you think they would be welcomed. You don't think the problem is that the music industry currently ISN'T welcoming to women - you make that clear. You think the problem is not with the industry, it's not with the academy, the problem is that women need to get their **** together  You didn't just say words that were detached from your thoughts and beliefs, you said what you meant.

How can anybody have faith that he "shares in the urgency to attack gender bias head on" with him as the leader, if he is unable or unwilling to properly admit to and confront his own gender bias.

 

[Edonis 28,950]

Keep it unless they pull a Milli Vanilli and take a Grammy away from someone undeserving

14 minutes ago, Zazekina said:

Never forget... 

Yes! Oh, Yes!

[sipthistea 21,099]

Neil PortSnow

[zakariah 11,721]

2 minutes ago, sipthistea said:

Neil PortSnow

I knew he looked familiar  

[AnnTakamaki 6,871]

20 minutes ago, Zazekina said:

Never forget... 

 yes this mess 

[Ronk 14,762]

9 minutes ago, darkness said:

Bye Felicia we want a new committee and new voters 

 

Yes.  Voters who actually recognize talent when they hear it and who will vote for talent rather than bias.

[Lion Heart 15,041]

Strip Ed Sheeran of AT LEAST one of his Grammys  

[Leslie 28]

Saying that women in the music industry has to step up their game is completely misplaced and WRONG... The issue at the Grammys isn't really about gender biases! but the Academy throwing awards at artistically mediocre songs and albums such as Ed Sheeran's recent works, since Ed is the radio favorite and trendy with the GP. The Academy should be about judging the artistic levels and performance qualities of the artists's works! 

[Ronk 14,762]

4 minutes ago, Leslie said:

Saying that women in the music industry has to step up their game is completely misplaced and WRONG... The issue at the Grammys isn't really about gender biases! but the Academy throwing awards at artistically mediocre songs and albums such as Ed Sheeran's recent works, since Ed is the radio favorite and trendy with the GP. The Academy should be about judging the artistic levels and performance qualities of the artists's works! 

Exactly.  If the Grammys have become a popularity contest, I'm not interested.

[YeehawKylie 7,817]

Not accepted. When the issue of gender inequality in the industry as represented through the Grammys was brought to his attention, he brushed it off and said women need to work harder. That was his opportunity to address the issue respectfully and honestly. This is all just PR to save him from the backlash. Give us a plan on how you will address it rather than some PR firm drafted statement. 

[boyerased 2,886]

Some of the backlash from this community tbh were from the bitterness because our faves didn’t win. That notwithstanding, what he said is wrong, many of the winners didn’t truly deserve to win and even when the nominations were announced they shut out women. Some of the most acclaimed albums of the year were from females, like Melodrama (which fortunately got a nomination but deserved more), Rainbow and of course CTRL.

[PunkTheFunk 124,466]

He probably got an underpaid intern to write that. "Make it sound like I'm really sorry...also go get me a coffee."

Mess 

[freebit 6,240]

This is just him trying to save his job. 

I'm not sure this taskforce will work. I wonder if something like the Blue Ribbon Panel overseeing more nominations (like the pop field) will result. Even still, as this years AOTY winner illustrates, you can have everything vetted and voters will choose the worst option possible. 

[Serial Chiller 8,044]

Masking the fact that you can do nothing and should have stayed silent about bafflingly stupid choices that should never have been made with fancy, empty words. 

Sure, bring out that task force. Let's see what gender bias will they break with you arses still in charge.