Michael Franti Splits With Management; Festival Canceled

Singer Michael Franti has split with Active Artist Management. His annual Soulshine at Sea cruise festival has also been canceled. Both developments follow the accusations of sexual misconduct leveled at Franti.

The allegations:

• In an Instagram post on August 11 singer-songwriter Victoria Canal wrote that at the age of 19 “a very powerful, decades older-man plucked me out of the internet, and college, and invited me on my first professional opportunity.”

• She then went on to detail the behavior she was allegedly subjected to at the hands of the man while on tour.

• The post did not mention the person by name “because I can’t risk the financial loss or emotional terror a lawsuit would bring.”

• On August 18 Franti released a statement, without naming Canal.

• He admitted to an extra-marital affair seven years ago “with an artist who was touring with me,” and wrote of being aware of “the recent posts this artist made about our relationship.”

• He claims the “relationship was completely consensual” and disputes “any version of the story that says otherwise.”

• He added that he takes “full accountability for not better recognizing the power imbalance as she was younger than me, and I was the headliner on tour.”

The fallout:

• The sold-out Soulshine at Sea cruise festival, which was set to take place in November, was canceled shortly after Franti’s response.

• Several artists had already announced they would be leaving the bill.

• Tank and the Bangas have also announced they are dropping out of their upcoming tour with Michael Franti and Spearhead.

• In light of the allegations Franti has parted ways with Active Artist Management.