Grime band The Manor defend PFA awards performance with ‘scantily clad’ female dancers after sexism backlash
GRIME band The Manor have expressed their shock at their PFA awards performance being branded sexist.
Sky Sports presenter Claire Tomlinson claimed the “scantily-clad” backing dancers went against the theme of inclusivity being promoted at the glitzy event.
But speaking before performing at Crystal Palace’s end-of-season bash last night, group members Scotty Stacks and Danny Graft defended their routine for hit song Ibiza.
Stacks said: “The track’s about Ibiza, obviously an island and big holiday destination.
“They were in full swimsuits, they had their hair tied up in buns to make them look like swimmers, it was water-themed, there was water on the screen behind us.
“The reason we were in tuxedos is that we were attending the meal afterwards and it was a black-tie event.
“They’re performers like us, doing what they love.
“Rather than sexist, it’s the complete opposite, we feel it’s empowering women.
“These girls came down from Manchester and Liverpool, they worked 20-hour days and produced a classy, professional routine.
“One of their mums was there, she came down from Manchester, she was watching from the side of the stage proud and it obviously meant a lot to her.
‘GIG FOR THE HONOUR’
“It devalues them suggesting they were just decorations for the room when they shared the stage with us and, if anything, stole the show.”
Band-mate Graft revealed the footie-mad group had done the show free – waiving their fee while the dancers were paid for their work.
He added: “We’ve done this a long time, and in this industry, you do so many things where you don’t even get paid.
“We took this gig for the honour but wanted to put on a spectacle.
“They got to do something they were really proud of, even the costumes, they were taking videos of themselves.
“It’s a shame they’ve been made out to be props when they were unbelievable.”
The Manor’s latest release Free The Geezer is intended to promote inclusivity, with the band keen to enforce positive messages through their music.
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Stacks added: “We’re very aware the social prejudices that are present in society, we’re in the process of releasing a new EP with a podcast to go alongside it called Free The Geezer.
“The title in itself is a bit of a jab at toxic masculinity and gender roles it’s all about mental health issues, encouraging people to open up about what they’re going through.
“It’s primarily aimed at breaking down stereotypes which is something that is important to us is – we see ourselves as an inclusive band for everyone.”