QMusic Revoke Denis Handlin Honorary Awards Following Four Corners Report

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Following the information that surfaced during the Four Corners report on ABC TV last night, industry organisation QMusic has revoked the Honorary Award presented to former Sony Music Australia CEO Denis Handlin that was bestowed upon him last year.

The program brought a number of issues within the walls of Sony Music Australia to the surface, speaking to employees of the company who spoke of "decades of systemic bullying, discrimination and misconduct at the company under Handlin's toxic regime".

QMusic President Natalie Strijland and CEO Kris Stewart signed off on the announcement, saying, "Today, QMusic has officially revoked the Honorary Award presented to Denis Handlin at the 2020 Queensland Music Awards.

"Last night's harrowing Four Corners  investigative report  laid bare the undeniable fact that the culture at Sony Music Australia during Denis Handlin’s tenure came with significant human cost.

They continued, "Following ongoing reports of systemic bullying, discrimination, and misconduct under Handlin's leadership, we cannot let QMusic's acknowledgement and celebration of his career stand.

"Toxic workplaces, be they in the office, boardroom, on stage or behind, have no future in Australian music.  

"We cannot, and should not accept nor celebrate this kind of culture.  The future of music must be one that is safe, supportive, and equitable for all."

The award was given to Handlin for services to the Australian music industry at a ceremony last March. He subsequently left Sony Music Australia in June of this year.