Radar Radio is at the centre of further allegations made by another ex member of staff.
The online radio station was accused of "organisational racism" in a powerful statement by Pxssy Palace, who brought their stint at Radar to an end earlier this month.
Radar was accused of "allowing the airing of sexist, homophobic and transphobic shows, with no evident attempt to apologise, or take reparatory action following this" and "a lack of balance in how staff and DJ’s are paid and promoted, with cherry picking of white men over POC".
The station released a short statement in response to this, but now former producer Ashtart Al-Hurra has gone public with her experiences.
In a lengthy post titled 'I'm A Woman Of Colour Who Was Mistreated At Radar Radio' she writes: "I relate to most of the issues raised by Pxssy Palace, but one item on the list was especially triggering for me: “Creating an uncomfortable and toxic environment which has led to the departure of many women of colour staff”. I was one of those women of colour staff."
The piece continues: "Needless to say, my dream of doing anything in music at all without being victimized soon shattered. While working at Radar, I was sexually harassed, like, fucking tonnes, by dickhead dj dudes. 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). Not only this, but both my abusive ex and my r*pist are producers/DJs who know all the same fucking people I do, so you can imagine I don’t take this shit lightly. To add fuel to the fire, a couple women at the station also had the audacity to spread rumours about me fucking and sucking various guys there, as if all I’m gonna want after having horrible experiences with dick – is more dick?!"
Writing about her concerns on Facebook, Ashtart was called in by Radar Radio bosses, and "the person in question said that I represented Radar and shouldn’t be talking about such things on social media".
Radar Radio founder Ollie Ashley is the son of controversial Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley, who had to answer to a Commons Select Committee on working practises at the company.
It seems that Radar Radio use the same HR company as Sports Direct. Ashtart writes: "They brought in a HR person from Eacotts, the company that deals with Sports Direct, to speak to me and take an official statement. Not only did I have to recount what happened, I also had to go through who had harassed me and what they had done again. This process took place through a series of meetings at Radar, where they spoke to me, then spoke to the manager who had made me uncomfortable, then had a meeting with both of us to reconcile the issue."
She also explains: "They made me sign a confidentiality form declaring that I would not reveal any of this information to anybody without the permission of Ollie Ashley or a member of Eacotts."
The full blog post is worth reading, and you can find it HERE.
Radar Radio have yet to respond to the claims.
UPDATE
As this statement spread online throughout the day Radar Radio has been hit by a wave of resignations from key DJs.
Following the allegations made we shall not be working with @RadarRadioLDN for future shows https://t.co/fDu6p0SHS5
— Planet Mu (@Planetmurecords) April 16, 2018
. @ObjectsLtd and @rixtin will no longer do any work with @RadarRadioLDN https://t.co/5A2epcAVsQ
— ObjectsLtd (@ObjectsLtd) April 16, 2018
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
I don't normally do serious tweets, but in light of recent news regarding Radar, I will no longer be continuing my show on the station.
— Stricty (@strictface) 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
Ive decided to stop my show on Radar Radio. I’ve addressed all the previous hang ups Ive had with em head on & w the relevant people. This recent allegation is a GIANT nail in the coffin and I ain’t gonna turn a blind eye out of expected “loyalty”.
Read @mixedspicesldn entry
— StyleAndGrace EP OUT NOW (@namesbliss) 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
After the recent news and in light of unfolding events, I will no longer be affiliated with Radar Radio and my show will end with immediate effect
— Jeremy Abbott (@FunsterMixmag) April 16, 2018
The @nightslugs show was taking a hiatus anyway but j to say ill be continuing my b2b podcast independently of Radar
— Bok (@bok_bok) April 16, 2018
FURTHER UPDATE
Radar Radio has suspended broadcasting pending an internal investigation.
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
Join us on Vero, as we get under the skin of global cultural happenings. Follow Clash Magazine as we skip merrily between clubs, concerts, interviews and photo shoots. Get backstage sneak peeks and a true view into our world as the fun and games unfold.
