What we should learn from the PWR BTTM scandal

Content note: sexual assault

After two months the dust has settled on the PWR BTTM scandal, as their (predominantly queer) fanbase have had to come to terms with abandoning what was once considered a life-saving band. However, there is still the discussion of where to go next, and how to deal with similar cases in the future.

To summarise the scandal, the lead singer of pop-rock band PWR BTTM, Ben Hopkins, was accused of sexual assault in early May. They dealt with the situation terribly by essentially putting the onus on any potential survivors of assault to reach out to the band’s agent. PWR BTTM’s music label and management, Polyvinyl and Salty Artist Management, handled the sad series of accounts perfectly: dropping the band, setting up a helpline and providing refunds to fans. This is highly commendable and Polyvinyl should be applauded for their swift and sensitive response. However, this cannot be viewed in a vacuum, and we must ask why this particular case is different to any other case of abuse committed by those of power and status.

In the past year alone, there have been many disturbing allegations against celebrities, such as the actor Johnny Depp and the singer Michael Gira. Both instances caused media outcry and demands for justice. Unlike Ben Hopkins however, neither of these celebrities were reprimanded legally or professionally. Gira’s band, Swans, played in Dublin a few weeks ago to the cheers of adoring fans who chose to ignore the allegations. Similarly, Depp is to continue starring in the Fantastic Beasts series, a franchise popular with children.

Why, then, do certain sections of society adequately address some allegations of sexual assault but not others? The answer is complicated. Firstly, PWR BTTM were well known for their engagement with social justice and, in particular, for passionately encouraging and informing their fanbase about sexual consent. The band’s brand also completely revolved around their unapologetically queer identity and their willingness to represent and engage in that community. This mixture of hypocrisy and the vulnerable nature of their largely young, queer audience, is likely what allowed for such a quick and thorough investigation and professional level reprimand to occur. Depp and Gira, however, do not exist in such spaces where discussion of issues like consent are important and central to the ethos of their art. Hence, they have not been held accountable to the same degree as PWR BTTM’s Hopkins. Depp is a superstar. Hopkins is not. Although subsections of the internet devoted to LGBT causes and social justice addressed the issue, mainstream media did not pay much attention to the Hopkin’s scandal, especially in comparison to Depp’s domestic abuse case. Yes, we must also take into account that it is traditionally and inherently easier for mainstream media to call out minorities, such as the non-binary, queer Hopkins, as opposed to the infallible cisgender heterosexual men.

However, it is clear that Depp’s actions were discussed much more widely than Hopkins yet ultimately there was no chastisement in his case?

So in future cases of celebrity sexual assault, how can we ensure they are handled as correctly as the PWR BTTM scandal, especially if the perpetrator isn’t part of a traditional social justice or vulnerable group? At the most basic level, every single person needs to individually consider the importance of romantic and sexual consent and what that means in different situations. However, on a more macro level, like on the celebrity stage, we must ensure that we don’t allow our appreciation of an individual, or their art, to cloud the seriousness of their actions. People we admire, and people who are gifted with great talents, are not infallible. In order for victims to reach justice, we must create a discussion which validates victims taking a stand against their powerful and protected abusers. We must distance ourselves from our own admiration of these characters, their songs or movies, to reveal the truth we so often want to obscure. Celebrity is not a free pass for abuse.

Editor’s note: PWR BTTM have denied all allegations and have re-released their debut album under new management. The legal battle for PWR BTTM to release their sophomore album, Pageant, which was due on May 14th, continues.

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