Hit The North festival hit by the cancellations of the SSD Concert founder charges

Dozens of bands have pulled out of a festival due to sexual harassment allegations against the promoter’s founder.

Around 80 bands were supposed to play Hit The North in Newcastle on Saturday, but a final schedule indicated around 11.

A number of artists said they dropped out due to the allegations Steve Davis, founder of SSD Concerts, behaved inappropriately, says he denies.

SSD said an independent review found “no evidence of sexual misconduct” on Davis’ part.

A number of groups posted on Twitter that they were pulling out due to the allegations, which previously saw the likes of Sam Fender sever ties with SSD Concerts.

Music blog Crack In The Road tweeted an image of the planned lineup and final schedule, which showed 79 bands had dropped to 11.

Artist Oscar Lang retired saying, “As much as we love doing shows, we don’t like supporting sexual harassment allegations.”

The Goa Express said they were dropping “because of the ongoing problems surrounding the SSD”.

Mr. Davis stepped down as CEO in April after a number of women reported inappropriate contacts and comments.

The BBC has already spoken to a number of women who have blamed Mr. Davis’ behavior.

One said he “would groped and slap our asses” on work nights and made “inappropriate comments” about her appearance and attractiveness.

Another woman said there were “shoulder rubs” and “when you talked to him he would look at your chest or comment on what you were wearing.”

SSD said an independent human resources (HR) review was carried out which found that Davis’ “informal” style and “level of familiarity” have “blurred the boundaries of professional relationships.”

The BBC did not see the HR report, but SSD said it found that “there was no evidence of racism, misogyny or sexual misconduct against” Davis.

SSD said it recently launched a “health and wellness package” for staff that was “proof of our goal of making SSD a safe, happy and great workplace.”

The company said it “did not shy away” from the allegations, but it was “difficult” to “address them” when we were not provided with further information on the allegations through the confidential means we have made available. “

The statement claims that the allegations originated on an anonymous review website and were shared on SSD’s social media accounts via hacking and a “criminal investigation” identified the source as a former employee.

Northumbrian police said a 25-year-old man was admonished for performing a function that allows unauthorized access to a computer.

SSD said it set up a confidential email to allow people to report concerns to the HR investigator, but no response was received, while other “vocal critics and accusation amplifiers” on social media declined to take part in the review.

“People can draw their own conclusions as to why those individuals have decided not to have their claims heard and investigate independently,” SSD said.

Mr. Davis said, “This has been a very disappointing process to go through and sometimes I haven’t acted like a CEO should. It’s clear I’ve said things I shouldn’t have and sometimes I haven’t been a PC and I’m sorry I did. feel uncomfortable with someone.

“It was never my intention.”

He also said it was a “great learning experience”.

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