TV 2 has decided to suspend “The Antonelli Orchestra” from their platforms while an investigation into orchestra leader Claes Antonsen’s behavior during the recordings of “Toppen af poppen” is ongoing. The decision comes after allegations of offensive behavior, which were raised in the DR documentary series “Sexism in the music industry.”
According to TV 2’s program director Dorthe Tirstrup, it is necessary to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged offensive culture surrounding the TV program. “Based on what women in the documentary have bravely come forward and shared, we believe that there is a need to conduct a thorough investigation into the extent of the offensive culture on ‘Toppen af poppen’. Therefore, we have asked Mastiff to initiate a new investigation, which will not only examine the conductor’s behavior and role but also look back in time and take a broader perspective,” Tirstrup states.
Until the investigation is completed, “The Antonelli Orchestra” will not be able to perform on TV 2, which also affects their participation in future seasons of “Vild med Dans” (Dancing with the Stars). The allegations of offensive behavior were made by both Katinka Bjerregård and Mathilde Falch, who participated in “Toppen af poppen”. They described an unnamed person from the orchestra who spoke to women in a way they experienced as offensive.
Claes Antonsen, who has been at the center of the allegations, has publicly apologized via a post on Facebook for using words and phrases that were “overstepping boundaries and sexist”. He has also informed a number of concert organizers and musicians via email that he is stepping down from the band.
365nyt.dk (365news.dk) is closely following the case and will provide updates as soon as there are new developments in the case.