The 1975, Rita Ora and more sign open letter to combat division and hate in the music industry

The 1975 and Rita Ora signed the open letter pledging to combat hate and division alongside other artists including Lewis Capaldi, Foxes, Nile Rodgers, Jessie Ware, Mabel, Col3trane, Hannah Diamond, MNEK, Jacob Banks, Oscar Scheller, Paloma Faith, Raleigh Ritchie, A. G. Cook, SG Lewis, Swindle, Tom Misch, Years & Years, and many others.

As Variety reports, the letter was signed by over 700 music community members, including producers, songwriters, managers, and more.

The letter begins, "We, representatives from the music industry, write to demonstrate and express our determination, that love, unity and friendship, not division and hatred, must and will always be our common cause."

Citing racism, antisemitism, islamophobia, xenophobia, homophobia and transphobia, the letter adds, "Whether it be systemic racism and racial inequality highlighted by continued police brutality in America or anti-Jewish racism promulgated through online attacks, the result is the same: suspicion, hatred and division. We are at our worst when we attack one another."

The signatories add that they are uniting to "amplify our voices, to take responsibility, to speak out and stand together in solidarity. Silence is not an option."

The open letter concludes, "There is a global love for music, irrespective of race, religion, sexuality and gender. Music brings joy and hope and connects us all. Through music, education and empathy we can find unity. We stand together, to educate and wipe out racism now and for our future generations."