Alanis Morissette says Rock Hall of Fame ceremony “reduces women” as she explains no-show

Morissette had been due to perform at this year’s event alongside Olivia Rodrigo but dropped out at the last minute.

November 08, 2022
Alanis Morissette says Rock Hall of Fame ceremony “reduces women” as she explains no-show Jeremy Chan/Getty

Alanis Morissette has explained why she dropped out of a planned performance at this weekend's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, stating that she found it to be an "environment that reduces women."

ADVERTISEMENT

Morissette was due to perform "You're So Vain" alongside Olivia Rodrigo as part of a tribute to Carly Simon at the ceremony, which took place on Saturday, November 5 at L.A.’s Microsoft Theatre. Variety first reported that Morissette chose not to perform on the night, with sources quoted as saying she “struggled with the song” in rehearsals.

In an Instagram Story posted on Monday night Morissette set the record straight. Without going into specifics, she said she was unhappy with the way she was being treated and that "I am at a point in my life where there is no need for me to spend time in an environment that reduces women." She also said that previous reports about her were "mis-informed." See below for the full statement. The FADER has reached out to reps for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for a response.

ADVERTISEMENT

Morissette's absence meant that Rodrigo performed "You're So Vain" solo. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will air on HBO on November 19.

There have been some mis-informed rumblings about my not performing at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony this past weekend. Firstly, I have to say how much I adore Carly Simon and Olivia Rodrigo and Dolly Parton and Janet Jackson and Pat Benatar and Sheryl Crow and Pink and Brandi Carlile and Sara Bareilles--and all the amazing people and artists who were there.

I have spent decades in an industry that is rife with an overarching anti-woman sentiment and have tolerated a lot of condescension and disrespectfulness, reduction, dismissiveness, contract-breaching, unsupportiveness, exploitation and psychological violence (and more) throughout my career. I tolerated it because nothing would stop me from connecting with those whom I cared about and resonated with. I live to serve and connect with people and so over the years I sucked it up on more occasions than I can count in order to do so. It’s hard not to be affected in any industry around the world, but Hollywood has been notorious for its disrespect of the feminine in all of us.

Thankfully, I am at a point in my life where there is no need for me to spend time in an environment that reduces women. I have had countless incredible experiences with production teams with all genders throughout my life. So many, and so fun. There is nothing better than a team of diverse people coming together with one mission. I’ll continue to show up in those environments with bells on. :)

ADVERTISEMENT

Alanis Morissette says Rock Hall of Fame ceremony “reduces women” as she explains no-show