Kate Miller-Heidke Reveals Sexual Abuse With Powerful New Release

CONTENT WARNING: This article contains discussion of sexual assault. If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

Australian singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke has today released a new version of her single You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore featuring Jaguar Jonze, revealing the song’s meaning for the first time via a powerful clip.

Posting to social media, Miller-Heidke said that while she has previously described the song as one “about dancing on the grave of an arsehole”, it’s actually about sexual abuse.

“My latest album Child In Reverse is about childhood. One thing that happened to me when I was a very young child (from the ages of 4-6) was that I was sexually abused by my great grandfather Archibald Barnes,” she said.

“He was a paedophile and a serial offender. I wasn't the first or the last. (Although obviously my family didn’t know it at the time, and didn’t find out until some years later.) This song is about how I felt when he died. Ultimately it's a really empowering song to sing.

“I probably wouldn't have been so open about this without the examples of Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins, but the most important inspiration was Jaguar Jonze, with whom I had a very deep conversation the morning this song was written. She described some very shocking things that happened to her as a child, and I felt very connected to her, and full of admiration for her resilience too - that's when the song title You Can't Hurt Me Anymore popped into my head.

“I think it's one of the most powerful songs I've written, and it's a privilege to sing it with Jaguar Jonze, who transformed the track with her potent raw energy.”

Last year, Jaguar Jonze revealed some of her own experiences with sexual assault in an interview with The Project's Lisa Wilkinson, alleging she was sexually assaulted by two music producers.

You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore featuring Jaguar Jonze is taken from the forthcoming deluxe edition of Child In Reverse, which is out next Friday, March 18.

Miller-Heidke has today also confirmed special guest Emily Wurramara for her 13-date Child In Reverse Tour this July.

“‘Long-awaited’ doesn’t quite cut it - my tour is finally happening after two years of cancellations and postponements,” she said. “It will be unforgettable (and possibly quite emotional) for me and for all the brilliant musicians coming with me. We are especially excited to be joined by the fabulous Emily Wurramara, of whom I’ve been a big fan for a long time.

“New songs, old songs, requests - we’re open to everything this time around. This tour is about celebrating the fact that we can be together (something I’ll never take for granted again!). Oh and it’s also about having fun. See you there.”

Wurramara added: “I’m so excited to be joining KMH on her tour! I first saw her at Woodford when I was in high school and she is such a beautiful and talented soul and I’m looking forward to creating some deadly memories and big laughs.”