Grammys boss Deborah Dugan placed on administrative leave following misconduct allegation

The decision came following a complaint from a “senior female member” of the Recording Academy.

January 17, 2020
Grammys boss Deborah Dugan placed on administrative leave following misconduct allegation Deborah Dugan speaks at the 62nd Grammy Awards Nominations at CBS Broadcast Center on November 20, 2019 in New York.   Jamie McCarthy/ Getty

One week prior to this year’s Grammy Awards Deborah Dugan, the Recording Academy president and CEO, has been placed on leave as she is investigated over allegations of misconduct. Variety first reported the news, which has been confirmed by the Recording Academy.

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Dugan was the subject of a misconduct allegation by a senior female employee at the the Recording Academy team. Two independent third-party investigators will conduct independent investigations of the allegations. Dugan started in the role last August, taking over from Neil Portnow who left following insensitive remarks about women artists and their success at the Grammys.

In a statement to Variety, a spokesperson said "The Recording Academy Board of Trustees is committed to fostering a safe, diverse, and inclusive workplace, music industry, and society."

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The 2020 Grammys will be hosted by Alicia Keys and take place on Sunday, January 26. Artists due to perform at the ceremony include Billie Eilish and Tyler, The Creator.

The FADER has reached out to the Recording Academy for further comment.

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Grammys boss Deborah Dugan placed on administrative leave following misconduct allegation