A London-based radio station has gone off air after a string of allegations of sexual harassment, racism and homophobia, and the mass resignation of its DJs and producers.
Several young people with experience working at Radar Radio have severed ties with the station, issuing statements on social media this week. The station announced it would be "suspend[ing] broadcasting" until the accusations were addressed.
We have made the decision to suspend broadcasting until we are in a position to address the recent commentary around aspects of the station.
— Radar Radio (@RadarRadioLDN) April 16, 2018
The three-year-old station, owned by Ollie Ashley, the son of billionaire founder of Sports Direct Mike Ashley, is a well-respected platform for young musicians and broadcasters, and has hosted guests including Cardi B, M.I.A, and JME.
The controversy began when the DJ collective Pxssy Palace, which had a show on Radar, released a statement announcing it would no longer be working with the station after "a string of disappointing experiences".
In the social media post Pxssy Palace alleged that the station had allowed "the airing of sexist, homophobic and transphobic shows", enabled "organisational racism" in the form of unequal pay and promotion opportunities, and "[created] an uncomfortable and toxic environment", the BBC reported.
The station responded to the allegations in a statement on Friday, saying it was "concerned and disappointed to see [Pxssy Palace's] statement" suggesting it was "getting some important aspects wrong".
It apologised to anyone who felt "unsafe or discriminated against" at the station. "We don’t agree with all the opinions in that statement but like most organisations we know we are capable of making mistakes and have to be vigilant to maintain standards. We have taken immediate action to review and assess any shortcomings with the input of all Radar staff, especially those who are female, LGBTQI+ and POC."
The statement provoked a flurry of allegations from other DJs and producers on social media, including a detailed blog entry by Ashtart Al-Hurra, a former studio assistant and producer at the station, on her blog Mixed Spices on Friday. In the post, titled "I’m a Woman of Colour Who Was Mistreated at Radar Radio – Their Reaction to Pxssy Palace’s Leaving Statement Was Absolute Trash. Here's Why", Al-Hurra said she was "one of [the] women of colour staff" who had been mistreated at Radar.
She said she was "sexually harassed, like, fucking tonnes, by dickhead dj dudes", adding: "This is shit for anybody, but triggering especially for me, as I’m a survivor of child abuse, domestic abuse and r*pe (which I was dealing with at the time)."
When she complained to Radar's management, she wrote that she "was told that what happened 'just sounded like small things', that 'it’s just boys being boys', and that 'they’re just chirpsing'. They concluded by saying that I should tell a manager (which I had done) or 'stay silent on the topic'."
Many others affiliated with the station tweeted that they would be severing ties.
I am deeply saddened by the recent news regarding Radar Radio. Unfortunately, due to these views being so far removed from my own, this has left me with no choice but to step down as host of the breakfast show. I would like to thank all my listeners and every single guest.
— snoochie shy (@snoochieshy) April 16, 2018
RE: Radar Radio
— THE SLUMFLOWER (@theslumflower) April 16, 2018
It’s with great disappointment to announce that I’ll be leaving Radar Radio, where I record my monthly podcast.
I do not condone what’s surfaced regarding the mistreatment of Black Women at Radar Radio.
My past shows will still be online for you to listen back.
After 3 years at Radar I'll no longer be a part of the station. I've felt uncomfortable for too long now being a part of something that doesn't align with my values & this pushes it over the edge. Solidarity to all those who've experienced harassment of any kind in the music biz. https://t.co/meLZlin7WS
— India (@indiajordan8) April 16, 2018
In light of the recent news about Radar Radio, I can no longer continue my show and I’m leaving the station with immediate effect.
— ikonika (@ikonika) April 16, 2018
Why I’m leaving Radar Radio... pic.twitter.com/Do5sfzU5bC
— P Montana (@DJ_PMontana) April 16, 2018
Following the allegations made we shall not be working with @RadarRadioLDN for future shows https://t.co/fDu6p0SHS5
— Planet Mu (@Planetmurecords) April 16, 2018
Due to the news that has come to light today regarding Radar Radio, I have decided to leave the station.
— Conducta (@ConductaUK) April 16, 2018
Also if you’re an artist/presenter remember these words. Get them tattooed or something.
— StyleAndGrace EP OUT NOW 💎 (@namesbliss) April 16, 2018
You ARE the culture! I know you want a likkle shine but don’t get starry eyed because of abit of glossiness and ps. It’s never that deep pic.twitter.com/6V5ra3Kfbw
Quite gutted to say it, but I can't, in good faith, be on a platform that doesn't have its best interests towards people of diverse backgrounds.
— Stricty (@strictface) April 16, 2018
Tobago Tracks will no longer be continuing our monthly show or working with @RadarRadioLDN: https://t.co/u7GTlhFcMA
— Tobago Tracks (@Tobagotracks) April 16, 2018
1. Obviously we’ve left Radar
— Local Action (@localactionrec) April 17, 2018
2. Shows who got dropped from Radar months back announcing that they’re leaving now - fix up
3. People with abuse cases in their closet gloating about the situation - you’re scum.
4. This whole situation is desperately sad
Refinery29 has contacted Radar Radio for comment.
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