‘We come in peace but we mean business’: Janelle Monae gives powerful speech about Time’s Up movement at Grammys 2018

Jennifer Ruby29 January 2018
The Weekender

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Janelle Monae gave a rousing speech about the Time’s Up movement at the Grammy Awards, telling the audience that she came in peace but meant “business”.

The actress and singer called out the music industry for its discrimination against women before introducing Kesha, Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello, Bebe Rexha and Julia Michaels on stage to perform Praying.

“Tonight, I am proud to stand in solidarity as not just an artist, but a young woman, with my fellow sisters in this room who make up the music industry — artists, writers, assistants, publicists, CEOs, producers, engineers, and women from all sectors of the business, We are also daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, and human beings,” she told the crowd.

“To those who would dare try and silence us, we offer you two words: #Timesup. We say Time’s Up for pay inequality, discrimination or harassment of any kind, and the abuse of power."

Emotional: Kesha performs Praying
Reuters

She continued: “We come in peace, but we mean business. It’s not just going on in Hollywood, or in Washington, it’s right here in our industry as well.

“And just as we have the just as we have the power to shape culture, we also have the power to undo the culture that does not serve us well.

“So, let’s work together, women and men, as a united music industry committed to creating more safe work environments, equal pay, and access for all women.”

Kesha earned a standing ovation for her emotional rendition of Praying, written about the alleged sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of her former producer, Dr Luke.

Stars including Lady Gaga, Anna Kendrick and Sarah Silverman all showed their support for Time’s Up movement by wearing white rose pins on the red carpet.

Grammy Awards 2018 Show and Winners - In pictures

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