Multiple Burger Records employees and artists have been accused of sexual misconduct
Content Warning: This article discusses sexual assault, and rape. If you or someone you know are affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Burger Records, home of multiple indie bands, is currently being accused of “curating” an environment for sexual misconduct, with sexual assault allegations spanning across multiple members of bands under their label.
From employees of Burger Records to members of bands under their label, like SWMRS, the allegations were brought forward by an Instagram page which has compiled the list of growing complaints called Lured_By_Burger_Records.
Launched in hopes of “amplifying voices and supporting those who were victims of sexual predation by predators involved with Burger Records.”
The curated posts recount the numerous instances of alleged abuse, including multiple stories of underage females being invited to the “back room” of the physical store in Fullerton, California, where they were allegedly met with older men who preyed upon them.
Many stories that have been posted by the page have turned to the same point of men associated with the label luring teens into dingy places, resulting in Burger Records noted as being “responsible for curating a culture built on pedophilic tendencies and teenage fetishization.”
The label released a statment regarding the allegations on Monday, pledging to “make major structural changes to the label and create and implement active policy measures to address the culture that allowed such harm to occur,” with the Co-founder Sean Bohrman moving into “a transitional role with the label,” and co-founder Lee Rickard immediately stepping down.
Additionally, the label will transform into BRGR RECS “to create a clear delineation between the old and the new Burger Records,” while adding “an all-woman imprint to the label, BRGRRRL, which will serve to give many more women artists a platform and support for growth as musicians.”
Furthermore, the label is also pledging to provide the funds for counselling services for those affected with the alleged abuse, as they wish to reconcile, and promote a zero-tolerance policy on “unlawful and predatory” behaviour, including a safe space for women.
“We extend our deepest apologies to anyone who has suffered irreparable harm from any experience that occurred in the Burger and indie/DIY music scene, the latter of which we take part. We are also deeply sorry for the role Burger has played in perpetuating a culture of toxic masculinity,” stated the label.
This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.