Denis Handlin Addresses Sony Workplace Allegations For First Time Since Exit

Former Sony Music Entertainment Australia head Denis Handlin has addressed claims of sexual misconduct that allegedly occurred within the business under his leadership. 

The statement came via Schwartz Media's new Everybody Knows podcast, which launched its first episode today. The series is a "five-part investigative series examining the rise and fall of the MeToo movement in Australia, and what it will take for things to finally change" with a particular focus on the Australian music industry. 

This is the first time Handlin has spoken about the claims following his exit from the company in June this year. While these incidents allegedly occurred while Handlin was the leading the Australian business, no allegations have been levelled at him. 

Handlin's exit came just over a week after a report emerged that Sony's US head office was reportedly "investigating claims of discrimination, bullying and harassment" within the Australian arm of the business, and shortly after the firing of a senior executive following inappropriate behaviour allegations. 

In the days after Handlin's departure, two more senior executives were also placed on "indefinite leave". Their exit from the business was officially confirmed in August. 

Today, the podcast reports that Handlin "confirmed that the company had dealt with sexual misconduct in his time as chief executive" as well as engaging lawyers and external advisers for inquiries into the allegations and "also provided counselling to survivors". 

READ MORE:

• Sony's Workplace Culture Crisis: Where To From Here?

• Five Lessons Australia’s Music Industry Needs To Take Away From The Sony Workplace Crisis

• Sony Artists & Managers In The Dark: 'We Found Out The Same Way As Everyone Else'
  
  

While Handlin did not appear on the podcast, he did provide a statement addressing the allegations saying, "I would never tolerate treating women in an inappropriate or discriminatory manner."

"At any time I was made aware of this sort of behaviour, I took action to ensure that it was stopped and didn’t occur again.

"Over the years, this included seeing people at all levels and all seniority leave the company. With issues of sexual misconduct, I always took immediate action, in accordance with the law and best practice in the interests of those involved in such traumatic and disturbing events..."

"It’s not appropriate for me to say anything further as most of these matters remain confidential to ensure the personal wellbeing of those involved."

Additionally, the statement read that Handlin had "always provided support and encouragement to women in the industry and personally championed diversity" as well as promoting "women as artists and employees" throughout his tenure, with 11 of 15 senior management positions held by women at the time of his exit from the business. 

Sony Music Entertainment Australia have not commented on either Handlin's statement or the podcast series.