Warner Music Aus lays off Scott Maclachlan after news coverage of sexual harassment

Content Warning: This article, which covers a sexual harassment incident related to Scott Maclachlan, discusses sensitive, sexual topics. 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.

Following Stuff.co.nz‘s extensive report into sexual harassment and discrimination in Australia and New Zealand, Warner Music Australia announced it has terminated its A&R executive contract with Scott Maclachlan.

In 2018, three years after Maclachlan and Lorde ended their management relationship in 2015, Maclachlan was hired as SVP A&R at Warner Music Australasia (which included responsibilities for both Australia and New Zealand). Within five months of accepting that role with Warner he was banned from visiting the Australian office and any gigs related to Warner artists following an external investigation into a harassment claim (not related to Lorde).

He was also demoted to A&R Specialist at that time, and was working from the major label’s Auckland office. There was little public information surrounding the reasons for the demotion, aside from that it was embroiled with legal issues.

According to the Stuff report, “privacy requirements meant few Warner New Zealand employees were told of the investigation, or its outcome.”

However, the incident was not isolated and Maclachlan and his former colleague Amy Goldsmith confirmed his behaviour.

“I do accept the harmful impact of my past behaviour and I try every day to repair the damage and prevent it happening again,” Maclachlan told Stuff.

Maclachlan also said he is being treated for alcoholism.

Now, a Warner Music Group spokesperson has told MBW that after learning of Stuff‘s reporting, it has taken further action.

“Warner Music is committed to providing a safe, professional environment for all our team. Our Code of Conduct is very clear regarding harassment of any kind. All allegations are treated seriously and action is taken if any employee’s behaviour has breached that code.

“We investigated what we believed to be an isolated incident in 2018, with the assistance of an external expert, and we went further than they advised with disciplinary actions. Now that we’ve learned about these additional incidents, we’ve terminated Scott Maclachlan’s employment contract with immediate effect.”

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.