The music world is grappling with serious allegations against Oakland-native Michael Franti, frontman of Spearhead and Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. Singer-songwriter Victoria Canal has come forward with explosive claims of sexual misconduct, alleging inappropriate behavior when she was 19 years old.

Canal’s Instagram post detailed a troubling narrative of professional exploitation, claiming a “very powerful, decades-older man” invited her on her first professional opportunity and engaged in deeply unethical conduct. She described being touched without consent while sleeping on a tour bus and having photos taken without her awareness.

Franti responded to the allegations by acknowledging an extramarital relationship, stating he “broke wedding vows” and developed romantic feelings during a professional collaboration. However, his admission does not directly address Canal’s specific claims of inappropriate touching and consent violations.

The fallout has been swift and significant. The upcoming Soulshine at Sea cruise event featuring Franti has been canceled, and he has reportedly parted ways with his management company of ten years, Activist Artist Management.

This situation marks a dramatic fall from grace for Franti, who was previously known for his progressive activism, including supporting political campaigns and progressive candidates like Chesa Boudin and Barack Obama. His reputation as a “good guy” musician has been severely damaged by these allegations.

As the music community processes these revelations, questions about power dynamics, consent, and accountability in the entertainment industry remain at the forefront of public discourse. The allegations against Franti underscore the ongoing challenges of addressing sexual misconduct, particularly when significant power imbalances exist between professionals.

The story continues to develop, with many awaiting further details and potential responses from all parties involved.