Radio heavyweights show support for Blake Phillips amid sexual misconduct allegations
A bombshell allegation of sexual misconduct has rocked Australian radio. It came in the form of a tweet from a former employee of Southern Cross Austereo.
Radio Today chose to wait until the alleged victim felt comfortable to talk publicly; other outlets chose not to.
In a nutshell, former SCA video producer Blake Phillips alleges being raped by his manager; an unnamed executive. He also claims a subsequent cover-up by the network.
It allegedly took place more than four years ago and he says he did report it to police at the time. For whatever reason, he chose not to pursue it any further.
4 Years 5 Months 19 Days is what it takes to say I was raped by my manager and this is why https://t.co/mSr8mbZVB0
— Blake Phillips (@BlakePhillips) February 19, 2018
But now, he’s broken cover in a public blog post to help his ‘healing’, with radio heavyweights Meshel Laurie, Jo Stanley and Adam Richard all responding to Phillips’ tweet with messages of support.
Blake I’m so sorry – that this happened and that you’ve been in so much pain for so long. I support you. I hear you and believe you. Your courage is immeasurable. I hope you know you are surrounded by love. x
— Jo Stanley (@RealJoStanley) February 19, 2018
“This isn’t a knee-jerk reactive whim or capitalisation of a hot topic. It was inevitable, but it had to be a decision I came to terms with,” Phillips wrote in his blog post.
“Finally, I am comfortable in that not only the world being ready, but more than ever, I am ready.”
SCA has responded by issuing a statement to Radio Today on Monday, stating that it takes incidents of this nature very seriously.
“In 2013, on becoming aware of the incident, SCA acted promptly by investigating and terminating the employment of the manager.
“SCA supported Blake including assisting him with his conversations with the police and providing him with extensive counselling.
“This support was ongoing for the duration of his remaining two and a half year employment, including his request to be relocated to another office within the company.
“We have and are continuing to assist the police with any further inquiries they may have.”
It’s believed the case was re-opened last December. According to the alleged victim, police are again asking questions.
In December, Radio Today asked its readers if they thought the radio industry was ready for its own #MeToo campaign, generating more comments than any other story on our site.
For anyone who may be impacted by this story, we encourage you to seek support. Details for 24/7 crisis support services are outlined below:
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Lifeline – 13 11 14
MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78
A telephone and online support, information and referral service, helping men to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way.
Headspace – 1800 650 890
Free online and telephone service that supports young people aged between 12 and 25 and their families going through a tough time.
Further resources:
Support Act – 1300 731 303
An Australian registered charity focusing on supporting the mental health of Australian musicians and music industry professionals.