Academy Chair Addresses Dugan’s Exit
• It seems that each day since Recording Academy President/CEO Deborah Dugan was placed on administrative leave has brought new levels of drama to the story… and today, that level jumped up a few extra notches, as Recording Academy Board Chair Harvey Mason, Jr., who was named Interim President/CEO last week, sent an open letter to Academy members laying out the Academy’s side of the story regarding Dugan’s departure, including “abusive work environment complaints alleged against Ms. Dugan,” Dugan’s subsequent allegations against the Academy and the charge that Dugan’s attorney solicited a settlement of “millions of dollars” for her to withdraw her allegations and resign.
The letter reads, in part, “In November 2019, the Executive Committee became aware of abusive work environment complaints alleged against Ms. Dugan (pictured, below) and in December 2019, a letter was sent from an attorney representing a staff member that included additional detailed and serious allegations of a ‘toxic and intolerable’ and ‘abusive and bullying’ environment created by Ms. Dugan towards the staff. Given these concerning reports, the Executive Committee launched an immediate and independent investigation into the alleged misconduct of Ms. Dugan.
After we received the employee complaints against Ms. Dugan, she then (for the first time) made allegations against the Academy. In response, we started a separate investigation into Ms. Dugan’s allegations. Ms. Dugan’s attorney then informed the Executive Committee that if Ms. Dugan was paid millions of dollars, she would ‘withdraw’ her allegations and resign from her role as CEO. Following that communication from Ms. Dugan’s attorney, Ms. Dugan was placed on administrative leave as we complete both of these ongoing investigations.”
Mason’s letter continued, “I’m deeply disturbed and saddened by the ‘leaks’ and misinformation, which are fueling a press campaign designed to create leverage against the Academy for personal gain. As Grammy Week is upon us, I truly hope we can focus our attention on the artists who’ve received nominations and deserve to be celebrated at this time of the year, and not give credence to unsubstantiated attacks on the Academy. To do otherwise is just not right.”
In closing, Mason said, “I encourage anyone who is truly interested to go beyond the sensational sound bites and teaser headlines and look at what the Academy actually does and how it functions. Don’t buy into headlines generated for personal gain but seek the truth as I am doing. As I mentioned we have initiated two independent investigations to explore all claims and present objective findings. My pledge to you is that I will address the findings of these investigations fairly and honestly and work to make needed repairs and changes while ensuring we have an Academy that honors diversity, inclusion and a safe work environment for all concerned. Thank you for your attention to this matter and your support of our Recording Academy.”
