People across globe stand against abuse

This week the SABC said it was considering its options in light of growing calls from scores of South Africans for the public broadcaster to ban music from global superstar R Kelly. The singer has come under fire recently, following a documentary which details allegations from several women, some minors at the time, who had allegedly suffered physical and other forms of abuse by him. The matter has divided public opinion.

Many of his fans, perhaps predictably, believe the allegations are part of a well-orchestrated conspiracy against the man.

Others say his alleged transgressions are a private matter that has nothing to do with his music.

Regardless and even though far from our shores, the matter remains an important one.

It goes beyond personalities in global show business. Importantly, it comes amid a growing movement of women (and men) across the world, who are increasingly speaking out against abuse, especially in spaces and industries where such had become an inherently normal part of the rules of engagement.

The efforts of these men and women are to hopefully reshape a world where perpetrators, regardless of who they are, are rightfully shunned and held accountable for their actions, rather than being protected and enabled.

It is about the acknowledgement of the convenient link between an abuser’s actions and his publicly acclaimed work – the understanding that at times it is precisely the power, wealth and social capital amassed from such works that shield them from being held accountable, legally or otherwise.

The calls to ban Kelly’s music are not a hysterical response to a fresh wave of allegations against one of the most talented musicians of our time.

In fact they have very little to do with Kelly the individual.

These calls must be understood in the broader context of people across the world who are standing up against social systems that reduce vulnerable women and girls to mere shadows in the grand story of powerful, violent men.