In a powerful opinion piece published in the New York Times, Ty Stiklorius, John Legend’s business partner, has spoken out about the state of the music industry following the arrest of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs on sex trafficking charges. Stiklorius, a seasoned industry veteran, shared her hopes for a fresh start for the music industry in the wake of this complex situation. However, her piece also delves into a deeply personal experience, recounting a frightening encounter at one of Diddy’s New Year’s Eve parties in St. Barts 27 years ago.
Stiklorius, a recent college graduate at the time, describes being taken to a room by a man she believed to be associated with the party host. The door was locked behind her, leaving her trapped in a terrifying situation. “To this day, I can’t remember how I got out of that frightening situation,” Stiklorius wrote. “Perhaps my nervous stammering — ‘My brother is on this boat and probably looking for me!’ — convinced him to unlock the room door and let me go.”
Stiklorius emphasizes that she didn’t know the man’s identity or his connection to Diddy. She initially dismissed the incident as an isolated case, attributing it to “just a guy behaving badly at a drunken party.” However, after working in the music industry for two decades, Stiklorius recognizes that her experience wasn’t an anomaly. She has become increasingly aware of the ingrained power dynamics and potential for abuse that exist within the industry.
Stiklorius’s harrowing account serves as a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of the music industry, prompting questions about accountability and systemic change. Her courage in sharing her story highlights the need for a deeper conversation about power dynamics, consent, and the safety of individuals within the industry. The industry, she suggests, must move beyond its entrenched culture of silence and work towards establishing a safer, more equitable environment for everyone involved.
