After sexual misconduct allegations were leveled against singer Michael Franti, he was dropped by his management company Activist Artist Management, while scheduled concerts with Spearhead which included a stop at Club Underground in Reno on August 23rd have been canceled.
Fellow singer Victoria Canal, 27, who collaborated with Franti on a 2019 song, alleged over a week ago in an Instagram post, without naming him, that the singer had groomed her and took pictures of her without her awareness or consent when she was 19 after he had “plucked [her] out of the internet, and college, and invited [her] on [her] first professional opportunity.”
She alleges he would also touch her in her bunk while she was sleeping and that he would make her “lie down with him” even when she didn’t want to.
Days later, other women came forward with similar allegations against the singer.
“He appears to be loving, charismatic, and principled,” Canal wrote. “However, behind closed doors, this person has a history of incredibly damaging behavior across the board and has a team of enablers around him who have fiercely protected his image, perpetuating this behavior for decades.”
The Bay Area 59-year-old roots, reggae, soul, funk and hip hop musician rose to prominence with the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy in the early 90s before gaining more fame with Spearhead in the mid 90s. His music is known for its positive messages.
“This is one of the hardest messages I've ever had to write. Recent events online have left me disheartened and my spirit isn't in the place it needs to be to get on stage and give you the joy and energy you deserve.
The remaining dates on the Welcome To The Family Tour will be canceled.
I'm devastated to disappoint you, but I hope you understand that I need this pause to be with my family. Thank you for your love and compassion in this difficult moment,” a message from Franti indicated on the Club Underground Facebook earlier today.
“On a personal note from Club Underground,” it was added,
“There is a lot of anguish surrounding the cancelation of this tour and the circumstances which have driven it. Many, many people are reeling today for a variety of valid reasons. Emotion is running high and we'd like to ask for respect and consideration toward all those who may be grieving over this heart-breaking news.”
Previously, Franti had denied allegations of sexual misconduct against him but confirmed he had a consensual “romantic relationship” outside his marriage.