Clubs / News
Lady of the House founder steps down after allegations
The founder of a collective and record label that celebrates and champions women in dance music has stepped down following a number of allegations made against her.
Lady of the House founder Laila Mckenzie has been accused of “bullying, gaslighting and harassment”.
A former member of staff has also accused Mckenzie of “unethical treatment”, reports Mixmag.
is needed now More than ever
Lady of the House’s advisory board say that it has accepted Mckenzie’s decision “to take time away from day-to-day management whilst the organisation reviews the accusations and appropriate next steps in concert with a legal team”.
Before founding Lady of the House in 2020, Mckenzie worked at Bristol nightclubs including Lakota and Blue Mountain, and has also worked for St Paul’s Carnival.
In March, Lady of the House held an exhibition at Lost Horizon in St Jude’s which also included talks, panels and masterclasses.
Mckenzie also took part in an online Bristol24/7 panel event in September 2020 about the importance of making the creative industries inclusive and accessible to all.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjhx9N7gvtR/?hl=en
In a statement published on their Instagram, Lady of the House said: “In response to the allegations put forward by members of the dance music community, the @officialladyofthehouse advisory board has accepted founder Laila Mckenzie’s decision to take time away from day-to-day management whilst the organisation reviews the accusations and appropriate next steps in concert with a legal team.
“Understandably, this situation would affect the mental health and wellbeing of anyone under such scrutiny, and LOTH offer their support to Laila during this process whilst we acknowledge the seriousness of the claims and the importance of the correct response. During this time, all projects and ongoing activities will be managed by the advisory board, including the launch of our label and support of our first slate of artists.
“LOTH exists to champion underrepresented communities within club culture and the dance music industry, and is greatly saddened to hear of any negative impact on our larger efforts arising from this situation. Our team is passionate about this cause, and is dismayed that this overarching mission is being undermined by unfounded accusations.
“As we explore all sides of this dispute, the LOTH team wholeheartedly condemns the threats of physical violence and other vile suggestions made against Laila or any of our members; we do not condone bullying in any shape or form whether privately in the workplace or in an open forum such as the press or social media.”
Main photo: Laila Mckenzie
Read next:
- How can Bristol’s creative industries lead an inclusive future for the city?
- Review: Lady of the House cultural exhibition, Lost Horizon
- A celebration of women at the heart of Bristol’s diverse nightlife scene
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
