Ousted Grammys CEO files sexual harassment complaint against the Recording Academy
The Recording Academy‘s recently ousted CEO and President Deborah Dugan has filed an EEOC complaint against the organization for alleged discrimination and sexual harassment. The news comes less than a week after Dugan was placed on administrative leave for misconduct against an employee and just days before the 62nd annual Grammy Awards, running Sunday, January 26. It has been nearly six months since Dugan was appointed the Academy’s first female CEO and President.
A complaint obtained by The Chicago Tribune claims that Dugan was sexually harassed by the organization’s General Counsel Joel Katz, who not only allegedly attempted to kiss her during a dinner, but also repeatedly referred to her as “baby.” Katz issued a statement through his attorney categorically denying the allegations.
Dugan brought the alleged harassment to the Academy’s Managing Director on December 22, 2019 and specified other issues including, “egregious conflicts of interest, improper self-dealing by board members and voting irregularities with respect to nominations for Grammy Awards, all made possible by the ‘boys club’ mentality and approach to governance at the Academy.”
The complaint also detailed that former Academy CEO Neil Portnow, “allegedly raped a female recording artist, which was, upon information and belief, the real reason his contract was not renewed.” Dugan claims that she was asked to offer Portnow a $750,000 consulting contract after the fact.
H/T: Complex
Featured image: WENN / Avalon
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