The singer Pomme on the stage of the Café de la danse in Paris, in 2019. -

SADAKA EDMOND / SIPA

In an open letter published on the Mediapart site, the singer Apple denounces the sexual and gender-based violence that undermines the music industry.

"From my 15 to my 17 years, I was manipulated, harassed morally and sexually, without being aware of it at that time obviously", writes the artist, now 24 years old.

“My arrival in the music industry was traumatic.

As with many other women, you will have started to understand it, ”she says, recounting how, at 16, she was“ the object ”of a 30-year-old man who“ shaped her. according to his fantasies and psychological deviations ”.

“I didn't choose anything about my life (behavior, dating), my appearance (clothes, make-up, hair removal), or the artistic direction of my own musical project emerging at the time.

I was manipulated to the point of completely losing confidence in myself, confidence so feverish at that age, ”she describes, confident that it took time to become aware of what she had suffered and understand“ the consequences. long term on [his] mental health ”.

"It's time for us to talk"

Apple evokes the #MusicToo movement which has, since this summer, collected “more than 300 accounts of harassment, assault and rape, carried out in 98% of cases by men on women.

"

“So there are a large number of men who operate in this industry being stalkers, aggressors, rapists.

A number that no one can imagine, ”says the artist, believing that they enjoy impunity.

“If justice and the system protect them, if the government does nothing, it is time we spoke.

It is time for shame and fear to change sides.

We are able to identify these behaviors and aggressions.

So we are able to reverse them and change things, ”she pleads.

And to conclude: “Let's talk.

With gentleness or with anger.

So that truth and justice can be heard.

So that the bodies, hearts, souls of our daughters, our sisters, our mothers, are no longer trampled on.

"

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  • MeToo

  • Sexual harassment

  • Moral harassment

  • Music

  • Violence against women

  • Sexism

  • Culture