Michael Franti Exits Management After Misconduct Claims

A wave of serious allegations has disrupted the career of musician Michael Franti, known for his uplifting anthems and devoted fanbase. The artist is facing claims of sexual misconduct from fellow musician Victoria Canal, leading to significant professional repercussions including the loss of his management and the cancellation of a major event.

The situation unfolded when Canal shared her account on Instagram, describing a pattern of “incredibly damaging behavior” from a prominent artist she did not initially name. She detailed experiences of being groomed and having photos taken without her consent when she was 19 years old and he was in his 50s. Canal described the individual as appearing “loving, charismatic, and principled” publicly but alleged a different private reality enabled by a protective team. Following her initial post, Canal shared screenshots from other women who reportedly came forward with similar stories about the same individual, who was subsequently identified as Franti.

In response, Michael Franti issued a statement on his own social media channels addressing what he called “recent false allegations.” While he denied any non-consensual acts, he confirmed he had “a romantic relationship outside my marriage” which he stated was “completely consensual, based on mutual feelings and attraction.” He vehemently disputed any version of events suggesting misconduct but stated he would “take full accountability for not better recognizing the power imbalance as she was younger than me, and I was the headliner on tour.”

What are the specific allegations against Michael Franti?

The core allegations, as presented by Victoria Canal, center on behavior she characterizes as grooming and a abuse of power. She alleges that the artist pursued a relationship with her when she was a teenager and he was a much older, established figure headlining a tour. A key accusation involves him taking photographs of her without her consent. Her narrative suggests this was part of a broader pattern of behavior that has been protected by his inner circle, allowing it to continue for years. In the days following her post, she shared messages from other women who claimed to have had similar unsettling experiences with the singer, though the specific details of those additional accounts were not fully disclosed.

The professional fallout for Franti has been swift and public. A source familiar with the matter confirmed that Activist Artist Management, his long-time representatives, no longer lists him as a client. Furthermore, his upcoming “Soulshine at Seacruise” event was canceled after several featured artists, including Maggie Rose and the band Dispatch, publicly withdrew from the lineup. These artists cited the concerning nature of the public allegations as their reason for pulling out, demonstrating the immediate impact of the claims on his business ventures and professional relationships.

The industry is now watching closely to see how these allegations will affect Franti’s career long-term and whether more information will come to light.

Must Know

What did Michael Franti deny?
Michael Franti has denied any allegations of sexual misconduct or non-consensual acts. He stated that any relationship he had was entirely consensual and based on mutual attraction.

What did Michael Franti admit to?
Franti admitted to having a romantic relationship outside of his marriage. He also acknowledged a power imbalance in the dynamic, noting that he was older and the headliner on tour at the time.

Who is Victoria Canal?
Victoria Canal is a singer-songwriter. She opened for Michael Franti & Spearhead on tour, which is how the two artists initially became acquainted.

What has been the professional impact on Michael Franti so far?
He has parted ways with his management company, Activist Artist Management. Additionally, his curated music cruise event, Soulshine at Seacruise, was canceled after multiple artists dropped out in response to the allegations.

Has Michael Franti been charged with a crime?
As of now, there have been no reports of criminal charges filed against Michael Franti in relation to these allegations. The claims have been played out in the public sphere and media.