UltraViolet on Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Not Attending 2024 Grammy Awards 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, February 6, 2024
CONTACT: Brett Abrams | brett@unbendablemedia.com 

UltraViolet on Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Not Attending 2024 Grammy Awards 

Group Says Recording Academy Must Do More to Address Sexual Abuse Within the Organization & Music Industry

LOS ANGELES, CA — On Sunday, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, despite being nominated for Best Progressive R.B. Album, did not attend the 2024 Grammy Awards. Combs’ decision not to attend the awards was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter three weeks ago, and followed after four different women, including a woman who was 17 years old at the time, accused Diddy of sexual abuse. In addition, The Recording Academy refrained from airing images of Diddy during the show.

Celebrating Combs’ decision not to attend the Grammy Awards, and members of the Recording Academy not voting to give him an award, Elisa Batista, Campaign Director at UltraViolet, a leading national gender justice organization, issued the following statement:

“Thanks to musical artist Cassie, Diddy was exposed as a sexual predator; her courage inspired three more survivors to come forward and publicly confront his abuse. We applaud each of these four women for their bravery in coming forward about their experiences.

“Making sure known abusers aren’t celebrated on a national platform like the Grammys is important to survivor justice. That’s why more than 15,000 UltraViolet members took action to make sure Diddy did not attend the Grammys. But there is still more work to be done. 

“For too long, the entertainment and music industry, and the Recording Academy in particular, have struggled to grapple with issues of sexual harassment and abuse. The Grammys woman-centered show highlighted the leadership of women in the music industry but, The Recording Academy must do more to ensure the safety of musical artists and professionals, especially women, in the workplace. 

“UltraViolet will continue to work with industry leaders to strengthen sexual harassment and misconduct protections for musical artists and professionals.”

More than 15,000 people signed a petition organized by UltraViolet calling on the Recording Academy to rescind Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs  invitation to the 66th annual Grammy Awards, ban him from future Grammy Award shows, and revoke his membership in the Recording Academy.

You can view the petition here: https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/NoDiddyAtGrammys/ 

UltraViolet has a long-running connection addressing sexual violence in the music industry. 

• In 2014, pop singer Kesha came forward to accuse music producer Dr. Luke of sexual assault. After the allegations were made public, UltraViolet hosted petitions, organized protests, and publicly advocated for Sony Music to “Free Kesha” from her relationship with her alleged abuser. 
• In 2018, following Spotify’s decision to remove R. Kelly and other infamous abusers from its official playlists, UltraViolet penned an open letter to Spotify CEO Daniel Ek applauding the company’s decision, but urging Ek to look deeper at other artists with a history of sexual and physical abuse that continued to profit from Spotify’s promotion. 
• One year later, tens of thousands of people signed UltraViolet’s petition, echoing calls of the #MuteRKelly campaign, urging RCA Records to drop Kelly.  UltraViolet also commissioned a plane banner to fly over Sony Music’s HQs in Los Angeles, demanding RCA Records to sever ties with R Kelly and took part in the “#MuteRKelly Rally to Protect Black Girls” at Sony Music HQ’s in New York City.

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UltraViolet Responds to Sexual Abuser Nigel Lythgoe Leaving “So You Think You Can Dance,” Renews Calls for Grammys to Rescind Diddy’s Nomination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Saturday, January 6, 2024
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com

UltraViolet Responds to Sexual Abuser Nigel Lythgoe Leaving “So You Think You Can Dance,” Renews Calls for Grammys to Rescind Diddy’s Nomination

LOS ANGELES, CA — Yesterday, Fox announced Nigel Lythgoe will step down as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance.” In a joint statement from the show’s producers, it was clarified that the program will continue without Lythgoe’s involvement. 

The news comes as sexual abuse allegations against Lythgoe were made by two different women , just after Paula Abdul sued him, citing “multiple” instances of sexual assault and battery.

In response to this news, Shaunna Thomas, Founder and Executive Director at UltraViolet, a national gender justice advocacy organization that urged Fox to fire Lythgoe, issued the following remarks:

“The allegations of sexual abuse by three women, including Paula Abdul, against Nigel Lythgoe exemplify the entertainment industry’s tacit compliance and enabling of sexual misconduct and sexual abuse. 

“Given Fox’s timely announcement to continue the show without Lythgoe as a judge on ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ we are renewing calls for the Recording Academy to rescind Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ nomination and invitation to the Grammy Awards next month.

“As the Recording Academy ‘evaluates’ whether to take disciplinary measures against Diddy, we strongly urge them to act sooner than later. Anything less shows disregard and disrespect to survivors of sexual abuse at the hands of wealthy, powerful men like Nigel Lythgoe and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.”

Earlier this week, Ultraviolet launched a campaign demanding that Fox Entertainment and Allison Wallach, president of unscripted programming, fire Nigel Lythgoe from “So You Think You Can Dance.” 

UltraViolet has long urged Fox Corporation to take sexual abuse seriously. 

Eight years ago, UltraViolet was one of the first groups to urge that Fox News fire Bill O’Reilly and Roger Ailes for sexual misconduct and abuse. In 2019, UltraViolet demanded that Fox News fire former host Tucker Carlson for his lewd and perverted comments about children. The following year, the group called on Fox News to investigate Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson regarding allegations of their sexual misconduct. 

Last month, UltraViolet launched a petition amid reports that the Grammy’s are “evaluating” Sean Diddy Combs’ invitation to the event after four different women accused Diddy of sexual abuse.

READ THE FULL PETITION HERE: https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/Diddy_Grammys

UltraViolet has a long-running connection to the #MeToo movement and the music industry. 

In 2014, pop singer Kesha came forward to accuse music producer Dr. Luke sexual assault. After the allegations were made public, UltraViolet hosted petitions, organized protests, and publicly advocated for Sony Music to “Free Kesha” from her relationship with her alleged abuser. 

In 2018, following Spotify’s decision to remove R. Kelly and other infamous abusers from its official playlists, UltraViolet penned an open letter to Spotify CEO applauding the company’s decision, but urging Elk to look deeper at other artists with a history of sexual and physical abuse that continued to profit from Spotify’s promotion. Ultimately, Spotify reversed its decision to hold abusers accountable and added R. Kelly back to official Spotify-promoted playlists. 

One year later, tens of thousands of people signed UltraViolet’s petition, echoing calls of the #MuteRKelly campaign, urging RCA Records to drop Kelly.  UltraViolet also commissioned a plane banner to fly over Sony Music’s HQs in Los Angeles, demanding RCA Records to sever ties with R Kelly and took part in the “#MuteRKelly Rally to Protect Black Girls” at Sony Music HQ’s in New York City.

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UltraViolet on the Supreme Court’s Announcement Today That It Would Take Up a Case Determining Whether the Mifepristone Abortion Pill Could Remain on the Market

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 13, 2023

CONTACT: Brett Abrams | brett@unbendablemedia.com

UltraViolet on the Supreme Court’s Announcement Today That It Would Take Up a Case Determining Whether the Mifepristone Abortion Pill Could Remain on the Market

Statement from Shaunna Thomas, co-founder and executive director of UltraViolet:

“Today’s announcement that the Supreme Court will take up a 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision undermining access to mifepristone, a widely used medication abortion pill that has been on the market for more than two decades is proof positive that abortion rights remain under threat – and the Republican extremists who hijacked our Courts will stop at nothing to advance their sexist agenda.

“Let’s be clear: we should have never gotten to this point. We are here because the Republican Party has hijacked our Courts, and created a pipeline of extremist judges to fast-track a radical agenda to a Supreme Court stolen by Donald Trump, Sen. Mitch McConnell and his Republican cronies.

“This is a crisis. Mifepristone is a safe, legal FDA-approved medication. The 5th Circuit’s politically motivated decision to curtail access to this life-saving drug, despite its availability for the past twenty-three years, is detrimental to us all. In times like these, every single one of us must make a choice: Will we stand by and let extremist judges impose their sexist agendas on millions of people, or step up to protect the rights of women and pregnant people to make decisions about their own bodies? History will remember which side we choose.”

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UltraViolet Responds to Fourth Set of Rape Allegations Against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs; Calls on Grammy Awards to Rescind Comb’s Nominations, and Invitation to Attend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 7, 2023
CONTACT: Brett Abrams | Brett@unbendablemedia.com

UltraViolet Responds to Fourth Set of Rape Allegations Against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs; Calls on Grammy Awards to Rescind Comb’s Nominations, and Invitation to Attend

NEW YORK, NY — Yesterday, allegations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, alleging the rape and sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl in 2003, were filed under the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law in a federal Manhattan court. 

The lawsuit concerns the fourth individual to come forward over allegations of sexual assault by Combs in the span of three weeks, following singer Cassie’s accusations of sexual assault and domestic violence against Diddy on November 16.

In response to this news, Elisa Batista, Campaign Director at UltraViolet, has called on the Grammys to rescind its 2024 nomination and invitation of Combs:

“We are deeply disturbed and concerned by the recent allegations of sexual abuse, sex trafficking of a minor, and domestic violence made against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs over the past three weeks. The gravity of the allegations against Combs underscore the ongoing need for accountability — and that the #MeToo movement is relevant and badly needed more than ever. 

“Not surprisingly, almost all of Combs’ brands have dropped him for his abusive and inexcusable behavior. But last month, the Grammys awarded Combs with his first-ever nomination as a lead artist in one of the two R&B album categories. We are calling on the Grammys to stop enabling abusers and to immediately rescind Combs’ nomination and invitation. Survivors don’t need to see that.

“Speaking out against an abuser, let alone one so powerful and influential, is a terrifying possibility for so many survivors. And one of the reasons the four women who came forward to share their experiences with Combs deserve our attention and our respect. 

“Most sexual assault survivors never report their abuse out of fear of being gaslit, discredited, harassed, threatened, or worse. We applaud the four survivors who bravely did so here. 

“The graphic allegations against Combs are a sobering reminder that survivors deserve better. Shame on Sean Combs for trying to discredit these women; shame on the music and entertainment industries for enabling men who weaponize their wealth and power to sexually abuse young women and girls. 

“We will always stand with and believe survivors. Full Stop.”

UltraViolet has a long-running connection to the #MeToo movement and the music industry. 

In 2014, pop singer Kesha came forward to accuse music producer Dr. Luke sexual assault. After the allegations were made public, UltraViolet hosted petitions, organized protests, and publicly advocated for Sony Music to “Free Kesha” from her relationship with her alleged abuser. 

In 2018, following Spotify’s decision to remove R. Kelly and other infamous abusers from its official playlists, UltraViolet penned an open letter to Spotify CEO applauding the company’s decision, but urging Elk to look deeper at other artists with a history of sexual and physical abuse that continued to profit from Spotify’s promotion. Ultimately, Spotify reversed its decision to hold abusers accountable and added R. Kelly back to official Spotify-promoted playlists. 

One year later, tens of thousands of people signed UltraViolet’s petition, echoing calls of the #MuteRKelly campaign, urging RCA Records to drop Kelly.  UltraViolet also commissioned a plane banner to fly over Sony Music’s HQs in Los Angeles, demanding RCA Records to sever ties with R Kelly and took part in the “#MuteRKelly Rally to Protect Black Girls” at Sony Music HQ’s in New York City.

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UltraViolet Says Resounding Victories in Ohio, Kentucky & Virginia Confirm Feminist Values are Majoritarian Values

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 9, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com

UltraViolet Says Resounding Victories in Ohio, Kentucky & Virginia Confirm Feminist Values are Majoritarian Values

WASHINGTON, DC — Last night, Ohio residents voted to pass Issue 1, a highly anticipated ballot initiative that will amend the State Constitution to include abortion rights. In Virginia, Democrats secured full control of the State Legislature, winning a majority in the House of Delegates for the first time in two years, and crushing Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin’s plan to enact a 15-week abortion ban and continue attacks on transgender kids. Danica Roem, a transgender member of the Virginia legislature was elected to the Virginia Senate. Kentucky voters reelected Democratic Governor Andy Beshear who ran aggressively in defense of abortion rights and transgender kids. In the process, Kentucky voters rejected Republican challenger Daniel Cameron whose candidacy was loudly opposed by Breonna Taylor’s family for failing to pursue justice for Breonna Taylor’s murder.

In response to this news, Shaunna Thomas, executive director of UltraViolet, a national gender justice group, issued the following statement:

“Last night’s victories in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia hammer one simple truth home: the American people support abortion access, and they oppose attacks on transgender kids. Full stop.

“And let’s be clear, feminist values are majoritarian values. Last night’s election – just like the 2022 midterms – proves it.

“Voters rejected GOP extremism and continued to show up to the polls to punish those who want to take away our rights and freedoms and reward those who fight for us and our democracy  

“Once again, it appears that women, people of color,and young people drove the outcome of this year’s elections by building an anti-fascist, pro-abortion care, and feminist voting bloc that helped turn tough elections in red states like Kentucky and Ohio, and purple states like Virginia, into a Blue sweep.  

“In a post-Roe America, voters see through the GOP’s attempts to ban abortion nationwide and the effort they’re making to attack transgender kids and ban books in the name of so-called parents rights in the process. Democrats must leverage this reality as the 2024 presidential election approaches- our lives and our democracy depend on it.”

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UltraViolet Urges NBC to Drop RNC Presidential Debate Over Required Partnership with Rumble

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, October 30, 2023
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com

UltraViolet Urges NBC to Drop RNC Presidential Debate Over Required Partnership with Rumble

New Report from The Guardian Identifies Rumble as Engine of Misinformation, Misogyny & Anti-Semitism, Warns NBC News’ Validation of Rumble Will Hurt Democracy

MIAMI, FL — Last Thursday, NBC announced that Lester Holt, Kristen Welker, and Hugh Hewitt will co-moderate the third Republican presidential primary debate on November 8, 2023.

The debate is scheduled to air Wednesday, November 8th in partnership with Rumble, a radical right-wing video-sharing platform known for its promotion of extremist rhetoric and content that promotes misogyny, antisemitism, and racism.

In response, Nicole Regalado, Vice President of Campaigns at UltraViolet, a national gender justice group, issued the following statement:

“NBC’s participation in this GOP primary debate will give Republicans the opportunity to spread lies and misinformation to millions of people. To do so in concert with Rumble makes the network’s problematic attempt to appease a more conservative audience and boost ratings even worse.

“Let’s be clear: Rumble was built on weaponizing toxicity and right-wing radicalization: it is a hotbed for misogyny, antisemitism, and racism. Rumble bankrolled convicted rapist Andrew Tate, and continues to give soapboxes to conspiracy theorists, like Alex Jones. By airing this debate with Rumble, NBC is allowing GOP candidates to spread disinformation to millions of people while validating Rumble as a legitimate news source. All of this undermines our democracy.”

UltraViolet’s new campaign Misogyny: Game Over seeks to disrupt the right-wing’s recruitment and radicalization of young men through misogyny and white nationalism online and in gaming communities, including platforms like Rumble.

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UltraViolet Responds to House’s Failure to Elect “Rape Apologist” Rep. Jim Jordan as Speaker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 17, 2023

CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com

UltraViolet Responds to House’s Failure to Elect “Rape Apologist” Rep. Jim Jordan as Speaker 

WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, the House of Representatives voted against electing Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) as Speaker of the House.

In response to the vote, Nicole Regalado, Vice President of Campaigns at UltraViolet, a national gender justice group with a history of advocating against Jim Jordan, issued the following statement:

“We are relieved that the House Republican caucus refused to make Jim Jordan,  an unrepentant insurrectionist and rape apologist, Speaker of the House of Representatives and third in line to lead our nation.

“Let’s be clear: Jim Jordan openly supported the January 6th insurrection of 2021; he is the leader of the effort to ban abortion nationwide; voted against legal protections for survivors of gender-based violence; and helped protect a predator who sexually abused young students during his time at Ohio State University.

“These factors alone should have disqualified Jordan as a contender for Speaker of the House.

“Today’s unsuccessful vote may provide a momentary relief, but it serves as a stark and unsettling reminder that Jordan still roams the halls of Congress.”

In 2018, members of UltraViolet PAC presented Rep. Jordan with the ‘Worst for Women’ award at his district office in Lima, Ohio. Jordan was included on the list for his role covering up and enabling sexual assault of young men during his time at Ohio State University, voting to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and voting to defund Planned Parenthood.

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UltraViolet Celebrates Laphonza Butler’s Historic Appointment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, October 2, 2023

CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com

UltraViolet Celebrates Laphonza Butler’s Historic Appointment 

Gender Justice Group Thanks Gov. Newsom for Keeping His Promise, Appointing a Black Woman to the Senate

CALIFORNIA — Last night, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that he would appoint Laphonza Butler, president of Emily’s List and a former labor leader, to fill the vacant Senate seat following Senator Diane Feinstein’s death last week.

In response to Newsom’s announcement, Kathy Plate, managing director of growth and member experience at UltraViolet, a leading national gender advocacy organization, released the following statement:

“With this appointment, Governor Gavin Newsom has made good on his promise to appoint a Black woman to the Senate.

“We congratulate Laphonza Butler on her appointment and historic position as the first Black LGBTQ+ woman to serve in the Senate. There is important work for Congress, and we look forward to working with Senator Butler.”

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UltraViolet Celebrates Life of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Urges California Gov. Newsom to Stick to Pledge by Appointing a Black Woman to Feinstein’s Senate Seat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, September 29, 2023

CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com

UltraViolet Celebrates Life of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Urges California Gov. Newsom to Stick to Pledge by Appointing a Black Woman to Feinstein’s Senate Seat

CALIFORNIA — This morning, California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein was pronounced dead at age 90. Feinstein’s replacement will be selected by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

In response to the news, Elisa Batista, campaign director at UltraViolet, a leading national gender advocacy organization, issued the following statement:

“As we mourn Senator Dianne Feinstein’s passing and honor her trailblazing career, we must also turn our attention to the critical task of filling her vacant Senate seat, which helps maintain Democrats’ razor-thin majority in the US Senate.

“Gavin Newsom must keep his promise and appoint a Black woman to her seat. People in California, and around the country, will be watching.”

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UltraViolet Escalates Calls for NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to Suspend Kevin Porter Jr. Without Pay Before Training Camp Begins Sept. 26th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, September 20, 2023

CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com

UltraViolet Escalates Calls for NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to Suspend Kevin Porter Jr. Without Pay Before Training Camp Begins Sept. 26th 

Over 11,000 people join Ultraviolet in urging NBA’s Adam Silver to suspend Kevin Porter Jr. without pay, take disciplinary action after domestic abuse charges

NEW YORK, NY — Today, UltraViolet, a leading national gender justice advocacy group, escalated calls for NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to suspend Kevin Porter Jr. of the Houston Rockets without pay for domestic abuse before the start of training camp  on Tue., September 26.

Porter was charged with assaulting his girlfriend, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick, in Manhattan last week. Gondrezick described Porter punching her repeatedly in the face; she has since sustained a fractured vertebra in her neck.

Over the past seven days, UltraViolet’s petition echoing demands for Commissioner Silver to suspend Porter from the NBA, and for the NBA to reassess and update its policies around sexual and gender-based violence committed by players and staff, has garnered over 11,000 signatures and counting.

VIEW THE PETITION HERE: https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/NBA_Abuse_Accountability/?t=6&ak_proof=1&akid=53740%2E3546188%2Ev6_LmR

“Kevin Porter Jr. is an abuser and walking liability for the NBA,” said Nicole Regalado, Vice President of Campaigns at UltraViolet. “NBA Commissioner Adam Silver knows Porter has a sustained history of troublesome off-court actions, separate from this past week’s domestic violence incident; the Houston Rockets know simply trading Porter elsewhere won’t stop him from physically harming more women. That’s why we are escalating our calls for Porter to be suspended without pay before the start of the NBA’s training season on Sept. 26th. For too long, abusers like Kevin Porter Jr. have been incentivized and enabled by professional sports leagues. It’s time for Adam Silver and the NBA to take a stand: bench Porter without pay until the Manhattan district attorney’s office conducts its investigation and the legal process is concluded.”

UltraViolet has a long history of holding sports leagues and their leaders, including the NFL, accountable for their complacency toward players who commit domestic violence.

In 2015, the group launched the #GoodellMustGo campaign, demanding Commissioner Roger Goodell’s termination after his failure to adequately address domestic violence in the NFL and tolerance for sexual harassment against women employees.

In 2020, UltraViolet insisted that the NFL compel Dan Snyder to sell the Commanders after an investigation revealed his role in enabling, encouraging and fostering a hostile workplace and toxic culture for women. Last month, the demand was met after NFL owners voted unanimously for the team’s sale from the Snyder family.

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