The Irish artist Ria Rua is an singer and drummer we’ve featured over the last four years on Nialler9.
Recently, Ria Rua put out an Instagram video detailing the inappropriate comments and sexual harassing communication she received from David Levine, director of a non-profit organisation called Hit Like A Girl drumming contest, an organisation aimed at encouraging female drummers.
According to a Billboard article, Levine asked the artist for “inappropriate pictures” in 2019, “even the ones your Mum may not like.”
Rua told Billboard that, in addition to the email, Levine made some of these comments over two phone calls. The second call was about a possible cymbal endorsement deal, in which she says she brought up the altered photo and he said “he had enjoyed photoshopping my boob.”
At the time, Ria Rua told a board member about the messages but no action was taken.
Levine says his comments were attempts to “show support but, unfortunately, my attempt at sarcasm was not appreciated.”
In light of the allegations this past month, Levine apologised, and stepped down as executive director of Hit Like A Girl, and a statement said he would be entering sexual harassment sensitivity counseling.”
Since Rua’s post, she says other women have shared similar correspondence they received from Levine or conversations they had with him after entering the contest.
Hit Like A Girl states it’s a “global celebration of girls, women, female-identifying and non-binary drummers.” It’s website and social channels have been made inactive since Levine stepped down.
Ria Rua’s song ‘Asking For It’ is directly related to these incidents.
Ria Rua plays Roisin Dubh in Galway this Saturday.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
