This year has been difficult in terms of artists that we like, and even love, being outed for sexual misconduct. The alternative music scene has a problem with ‘toxic masculinity’ (our words), and it’s been hard to come to terms with so many people we admire falling from grace. Hayley Williams from Paramore has talked to us about the subject- you can read her thoughts below:

It’s been a really tough year for men and women alike… trying to get through all of these stories and allegations. Questioning your idols. I don’t believe any human being is worthy of being worshipped because we all have the exact same capacity to hurt each other, hurt ourselves, and just generally make an absolute mess of the lives we’re given.

And narrowing it down to the issue of masculinity and gender is tough. Of course, boys need to begin to see examples of vulnerability and respect toward the opposite sex at a very young age. But it also shouldn’t solely have to do with gender and sexuality. It should have to do with humanness and co-existence.

Somehow, women and men (or girls and boys) have to learn how to talk about these issues in a way – together – that is vulnerable enough for people to learn something. I’m tired of seeing people speaking from regret and not from a place of actual intelligence on the matter. There has to be some educative, compassionate conversation so that we can get ahead of these problems before they turn into real pain.

– Hayley

Paramore are heading to Australia and New Zealand in February with support from Bleachers. Get all the info HERE.

Tickets available now.