FORMER X Factor star Katie Waissel says eight household names have told her they have been victims of sexual abuse and harassment in the showbiz industry.
Her revelation comes as she launches a new campaign called #FORTHERECORD to protect young talent from sexual predators.
Katie told The Sun on Sunday: “There is an abuse of power and intimidation tactics are being used.
"There are so many people who aren’t even speaking out because they are absolutely petrified about losing job opportunities.”
She says those who have told her of their trauma include:
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- CELEB A: Was taken to star-studded secret parties on the pretence of it being good for their career — but then taken advantage of after being plied with booze;
- CELEB B: Said a “music manager” continued to “sexually objectify” them and made them feel like they were being “pimped out”, even though they were in a relationship with someone;
- CELEB C: A young artist lured into a hotel room by a senior music industry worker, who then abused their position of power;
- CELEB D: A household name in the acting world spoke of being forced to perform sexual acts on a director to advance their career.
Katie, 38, came into contact with them, some quite recently, after telling The Sun on Sunday in 2021 how she had been sexually assaulted in a US hotel by a former member of X Factor boss Simon Cowell’s team.
In January, she gave evidence to a Parliamentary committee looking into record industry sex abuse and harassment.
She told MPs how on another occasion an older man grabbed her and made her sit on his lap in a music studio when she was 16.
Katie said: “More and more people have reached out to me.
"I offered a pair of ears and a shoulder to lean on — I am happy to help.
“I feel honoured that eight well-known people felt they could speak to me in confidence about their experiences of sexual abuse and harassment within the music industry.”
Katie, who reached the semi-final of The X Factor in 2010, made no formal complaint about the assault on her to the show’s makers Syco.
But she did open up about her ordeal later to The Sun on Sunday.
Katie said at the time: “I was a victim but I wouldn’t allow myself to recognise just how terrible it’d been.
“I’ve never spoken before as I thought I’d be blacklisted and never work again.
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"I was vulnerable but times have changed and I now feel bold enough to speak out.”
Since telling her story, others have got in touch with Katie to reveal their experiences of abuse in the music industry.
She added: “I’m a huge advocate for safety in the creative industries and have been researching solutions.
"I’m determined to make positive change.
“One artist (Celeb B) informed me that the head of a very well-known record label intended to sexually exploit them by forcing them to be in pretend relationships that they did not agree with, yet feared they would be blacklisted if they disagreed.
“Another artist (Celeb C) told me how their report of sexual assault was seriously mishandled and allegedly quashed, and felt completely stuck and still feels trapped and broken to this day.
"A household name (Celeb D) in the acting world spoke of being forced to perform sexual acts on a director to advance their career against their will.
"They were afraid they would not be believed even if they spoke out publicly.
“And then another young high-profile singer (Celeb A) told me they were taken to secret parties with well-known names present, lured there on the pretence of it being a good career opportunity, but then plied with alcohol and taken advantage of.”
Katie also told of one radio presenter who was “treated so appallingly that they ended up in hospital after suffering a breakdown due to the toxic and manipulative behaviours from certain senior staff members”.
Mum-of-one Katie is also calling for Non-Disclosure Agreements to be banned from the music industry as she believes their use blocks victims from going public on sex abuse and bullying.
She said: “I think NDAs are a huge issue.
“Not one company has spoken up to say they will get rid of them.
"They completely gag people from being able to open up about their experiences.
There is a tremendous lack of accountability and action for record labels and studios
Katie Waissel
"I’ve spoken to people in this country, the US and Australia — it’s a real problem.”
Katie has recently met several MPs — including Deputy PM Oliver Dowden — to discuss her concerns.
Speaking about the cross-party Parliamentary Women and Equalities Committee for its Misogyny in Music inquiry earlier this year, she added: “I provided evidence for that report and I am pleased it was able to go ahead.
"There was a lot of disappointment that the Government decided not to make any changes.
“The companies have a duty of care to safeguard people.
"There is a tremendous lack of accountability and action for record labels and studios.”
As well as her #FORTHERECORD campaign, Katie has also launched a website called OWHL — Overseeing the Welfare, Human Rights and Liberty — for those in the creative industry.
She said: “It’s a platform committed to revolutionising safety within the creative industries, allowing creatives to check into a place of work and they can also tap a button and there will be an alert.
“I want to build up people’s confidence that the industry can be safe. Together we can make the music industry a place to thrive.”
- FOR more information visit www.owhl.co.uk
