Ousted Grammys CEO alleges 'conflicts of interest' within Academy 'taint the results' of awards
The ousted head of the Recording Academy is speaking out about her bombshell claims of harassment and corruption in the organization just days ahead of the Grammys.
Deborah Dugan, former head of the organization that presents the Grammys, spoke to Good Morning America Thursday days after being placed on administrative leave. The Recording Academy said this was due to an allegation of "misconduct" against her, but she came back with a lawsuit alleging retaliation, CNN reports. She claims she raised concerns about "irregularities and conflicts" in the organization and alleged she was sexually harassed by its outside general counsel, Joel Katz. Katz denies the allegation.
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In her complaint, Dugan alleged members of the nomination committee "push forward artists with whom they have relationships" and that it's "not unusual for artists who have relationships with board members and who ranked at the bottom of the initial 20-artist list to end up receiving nominations," Billboard reports.
Dugan's lawyer said the Grammys is "really on life support" and that the organization is "panic mode" following her allegations. The ousted CEO also took her claims to CBS This Morning on Thursday, repeating the allegations to the very network that hosts the Grammys.
Still, Dugan told GMA viewers should feel free to still watch the Grammys on Sunday, as she plans to do because "I worked very hard on the show." Brendan Morrow
