Brit Awards 2018: White roses on the red carpet, but Paloma Faith's upset
- Published
Paloma Faith was among those asked about the symbol of solidarity with victims of harassment and abuse
Many music, external stars turned up to the Brit Awards, external wearing or carrying white roses as a mark of support for the Time's Up, external and Me Too, external movements.
Dua Lipa, external, who had five nominations, and Ed Sheeran, external, who was up for four awards, were among those who displayed roses.
But Paloma Faith, external told BBC News: "The only thing I'm upset about tonight is not more men carrying white roses. I think they should have."
She pinned a rose to a member of rock group Royal Blood, external on the red carpet.
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Faith explained: "I put a white rose on one of them, which I think is really important. Because I think men should support."
Performers first adopted the white rose at this month's Grammy Awards as a symbol of solidarity with victims of harassment and abuse.
Faith, who was nominated for best British female, said pop stars had a platform to make a statement on behalf of all women.
"What I think is really important is that we're speaking across the board for women because I have never met a woman who hasn't experienced it in any profession," she said.
Sheeran said the Me Too and Time's Up campaigns were long overdue.
"I think it should have happened sooner, but I'm glad it is happening," he told BBC News. "It's nice that people are aware of it now."
The stars were speaking as they arrived for the annual awards ceremony at London's O2 Arena.
Rita Ora
Most artists - of both sexes - wore either white rose pin badges or actual flowers on the red carpet.
"It's nice that as well as supporting music tonight, we can support equality for women all around the world," said Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall.
"We've always been up for girl power. It's a no-brainer."
Jade Thirlwall and Jed Elliot
Rag'n'Bone Man
Sam Smith
"I don't know a single woman who hasn't been through some sort of sexual harassment in the industry." said 20-year-old singer Raye, whose dance hit You Don't Know Me was up for best single.
"I've been through it myself and it's horrible. Men need to realise how they're behaving, and how uncomfortable they can make women feel in the recording studio."
US pop group Haim said the industry needed to be more open to women.
Este, Danielle and Alana Haim
"Every time we walk into the studio, the engineer is a man," said lead singer Danielle Haim. "There's no equal opportunity."
"We'll go to alternative radio stations in the States and there won't even be a girls' restroom," added her sister Este.
"That's a clear indication that something needs to change."
Beats 1 presenter Julie Adenuga said she expected further revelations about sexual abuse in British music industry in the coming months.
"Will there be more stories? I hope not, but reality is different to what you hope.
"But if there are more stories, hopefully there will be a lot more support as they come out."
Marvin Humes and Stormzy
Stormzy, external wasn't wearing a rose on the red carpet - but had put on a pin by the time he won best British male at the ceremony.
Cheryl and Liam Payne
Jax Jones and Raye
Rapper Dave, who was nominated for best British breakthrough act, was among the male artists sporting a rose in a gesture against abuse and harassment.
He said: "This is something that's been going on and has been ignored for too long, and I feel it's the least I could do to show some support and appreciation.
"Me putting this on is a symbol of my awareness of the situation but I still feel like I haven't done enough - I still feel like there's more to be spoken and there's more light to be shone on it."
Emma Bunton
Anne-Marie and Clean Bandit's Grace Chatto
Jess Glynne
Kylie Minogue
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