Birds In Row denounce Hellfest after allegation of harassment and abuse by festival organizers

The French hardcore outfit, Birds In Row, have removed themselves from the Hellfest festival in Clisson, France, following allegations of sexual and moral misconduct made by a former intern against the organizers. The victim, who had stayed silent for some time, finally spoke out and revealed that she had been subjected to constant humiliation and sexual objectification by her boss during her tenure at the 2017 edition of the festival.

In an interview with France Bleu, the intern recalled the distressing incidents that took place during her employment, including being referred to as her boss's "sexy assistant" and being instructed to excite festival-goers. She also recounted a harrowing moment when her tutor at Hellfest Productions appeared to make a physical attack on her. The victim has chosen to take legal action against the festival's overall management, rather than the individuals involved.

Birds In Row, who are known for their outspokenness, have shown solidarity with the victim and expressed their condemnation of the festival's management.

Per France Bleu, her attorney stated:

"Her wish by taking legal action is to make Hellfest Productions aware that there are actions that are not acceptable, which are illegal in the context of labor relations. She wants a conviction so that these practices- stop there, so that the mentalities within Hellfest Productions evolve."

The case, involving labor code violations related to allegations of harassment and abuse, had its first hearing on March 28th. Despite being approached by France Bleu for a statement, the festival's organizers have chosen to remain tight-lipped on the matter. It's not just the organizers who are keeping mum, though - French hardcore punk troupe Birds In Row have also decided to stay silent and have withdrawn from this year's edition of the infamous festival, leaving fans in shock.

"We will not play 'Hellfest'

For the last couple of years, the position of the festival on issues such as MusicToo movement or the place of extreme right-wing ideologies in our scenes hasn't been clear enough. We thought our place was on stage, to spread the word and try to convince a crowd that we wouldn't reach outside of this festival, that these issues needed to be addressed.

Now, with the recent allegations of sexual harassment within the festival staff, it is hard for us to candidly keep thinking that change will come that way. We realize the best way for us to express our discontent is to leave."