The Recording Academy’s Interim CEO and President Harvey Mason released an open statement Monday in response to ousted Deborah Dugan’s alleged misconduct and her accusations made against the organization.
The Recording Academy presents the annual Grammy Awards, and this year’s event is just days away on Jan. 26.
According to Mason’s statement, Dugan, through her lawyer, made an offer to the Academy to retract her allegations and resign if she “was paid millions of dollars.” It was then that she was placed on administrative leave until investigations into the allegations were completed, Mason states.
On Thursday, the Academy confirmed to USA TODAY in a statement provided by Lourdes Lopez that Dugan has been placed on “administrative leave.”
Mason writes that the Academy became aware of “abusive work environment” complaints against Dugan in November 2019 and in December formal complaints were filed through a staff member’s attorney.
“A letter was sent from an attorney representing a staff member that included additional detailed and serious allegations of a ‘toxic and intolerable’ and ‘abusive and bullying’ environment created by Ms. Dugan towards the staff,” Mason’s statement read. “Given these concerning reports, the Executive Committee launched an immediate and independent investigation into the alleged misconduct of Ms. Dugan.”
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On Friday, Dugan said there’s more to the story in a statement to the Associated Press through her attorney Bryan Freedman.
“What has been reported is not nearly the story that needs to be told. When our ability to speak is not restrained by a 28-page contract and legal threats, we will expose what happens when you ‘step up’ at the Recording Academy, a public nonprofit,” the statement read.
Mason’s statement claims that it was only after staff complaints that Dugan “for the first time made allegations against the Academy.” The Academy then launched a separate investigation into Dugan’s allegations.
Mason writes that he’s upset by the “leaks and misinformation” and hopes the attention and spotlight can be focused on the Grammy-nominated artists in the days to come.
In August, Dugan became the first woman to lead the Recording Academy, replacing longtime head Neil Portnow, who in 2018 suggested female artists should “step up” if they wanted to be recognized in the music industry. Dugan previously served as the CEO of Bono’s (RED) organization.
Board Chair Harvey Mason Jr., a music producer who has worked with Chris Brown, Jennifer Hudson and more, will serve as interim president while the allegations are investigated by two independent third-parties.
Contributing: Cydney Henderson
