Alanis Morissette says she dropped out of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame appearance due to sexist environment
The singer explained to fans that 'there is no need for me to spend time in an environment that reduces women'
Alanis Morissette was scheduled to appear at the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday, Nov. 5, but dropped out at the last minute. She was supposed to pay tribute to one of the evening's inductees, Carly Simon, with pop star Olivia Rodrigo by performing Simon's 1972 hit, "You're so Vain." But as videos surfaced from the ceremony, Morissette's absence raised questions.
Today, the Canadian star took to Instagram to explain why she didn't take the stage, implying that a sexist environment might have influenced her decision. "I have had countless incredible experiences with production teams with all genders throughout my life," Morissette wrote in her note. "There is nothing better than a team of diverse people coming together with one mission. I'll continue to show up in those environments with bells on."
Read Morissette's full statement below. CBC Music has contacted the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for comment, and is awaiting a response.
According to Variety, Morissette attended rehearsals for the event on Friday, Nov. 4. The publication also notes that there are "differing accounts behind the scenes of just what went wrong during the rehearsal," adding that "multiple sources are contending, for their part, that Morissette 'struggled with the song' during a run-through, leading to the discord and ultimate walkout." They also say that other sources close to Morissette dispute that assessment.
Morissette herself was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame earlier this year. Rodrigo attended the Sept. 24 gala at Toronto's Massey Hall and honoured Morissette with a touching speech. "Even more than your long list of musical achievements, I look up to your character and kindness most of all," Rodrigo told Morissette. "I'll carry the advice that you've given me for my whole life."
Watch Rodrigo's solo performance of "You're so Vain" at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony below: