Singer Songwriter Catherine Britt Says She Was Abused by Aussie Music ‘Heroes’ and ‘Icons’

TRIGGER WARNING: This article and pages it links to contains information about sexual assault and/or violence which may be triggering to survivors.

Australian country music performer Catherine Britt has revealed her experiences of abuse at the hands of people in the music industry who continue to be admired.

Britt said it was time to say something and fight back, but stopped short of naming her alleged perpetrators. Instead, she addressed them and said “You know who you are”.

“When I was younger and I started out in the music industry, I was abused by several people in the music industry, like big names, people that you all look at as heroes and musical icons,” she said on an Instagram video.

“These people touched me inappropriately when I was young, took advantage of me when I was young, had sex with me when I was underage, tried to have sex with me when I was underage.”

She also noted that even in 2022, the trend of blaming women continues, and so she felt she needed to speak up.

“Blame the women, ‘cause that’s the easy way out. Let’s just blame the woman, let’s not address the situation properly, let’s just blame the girl… Let’s not actually ask any questions, let’s not actually address what’s going on. Well, I’m sorry, but a young girl in the music industry should not be touched inappropriately by older men, should not be sexually harassed, should not be used and abused.”

Britt offered little hint as to who she was referring to, and said she was being the bigger person rather than ruining people’s lives and careers.

“I won’t be as shallow and small as you and call you out. You know who you are. You know what you’ve done to me. You know your history. You know your past. You know the bullshit you’ve spun. You know the lies that you have webbed into your own little frikken fairytales that you want the world to believe,” she said.

She added: “You should have known better. You should have shown me the way. You should have taught me what was right and wrong. Should not have taken advantage of me and then blamed me and then caused many, many lies and rumours throughout the years to benefit your career.”

She also issued a rallying cry to other women and offered her support.

“I’m fucking sick of it. Honestly. I’m better than this. I just, for all the women out there that have ever felt like I feel, I have your back. 100%. Reach out to me. I will look after you. I will take care of you. They won’t.”

Britt has won multiple Golden Guitar Awards, in addition to hosting the 2021 event.

Read more: Catherine Britt’s latest ballad is hot for country airplay

If you have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment and feel you would like to speak to someone for support or information, 1800RESPECT (Phone: 1800 737 732) can provide counselling 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Australian music industry workers can contact the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline. It is staffed by professional counsellors who offer expertise in all areas related to mental health. It is free, confidential and open to anyone in music or the arts. Call 1800 959 500, 24/7, 365 days a year.