Natalie Imbruglia comments on departure of Sony Music boss

Natalie Imbruglia comments on departure of Sony Music boss – and says she hopes the music and acting industries have changed since the days she was ‘auditioning in bikinis’

Natalie Imbruglia has weighed in on Sony Music Australia chairman and chief executive Denis Handlin, has resigned as the company investigates its other workers over allegations of bullying and harassment.

The singer, 46, was asked for her thoughts on the departure on The Project on Monday night.  

‘You are telling me that news for the first time, so I didn’t realise that. To be honest, I didn’t have any direct contact with him, so… That’s a bit of a shock,’ she said. 

Exit: Natalie Imbruglia has weighed in on Sony Music Australia chairman and chief executive Denis Handlin, has resigned as the company investigates its other workers over allegations of bullying and harassment. Pictured on The Project 

Natalie went on to weigh on in what The Project host Carrie Bickmore described as a ‘me too’ period for the music industry in recent years. 

‘Look, I had it in the acting industry,’ the Torn Hitmaker said candidly. 

‘I think, you know, when I was coming up through the ranks, the kind of situations we were put in was definitely something that I hope has changed over the years, auditioning in bikinis, things like that. 

Shock: 'You are telling me that news for the first time, so I didn't realise that. To be honest, I didn't have any direct contact with him, so... That's a bit of a shock,' she said

Shock: ‘You are telling me that news for the first time, so I didn’t realise that. To be honest, I didn’t have any direct contact with him, so… That’s a bit of a shock,’ she said

‘I do think, yeah, it is time for a change. So I can’t really comment on the Denis situation because I don’t know anything about it. But, yeah that is quite a shock.’   

Sony Music’s global chairman Rob Stringer announced the departure of Mr Handlin in an internal email to staff at 10.28am on Monday. 

‘I am writing to let you know that Denis Handlin will be leaving Sony Music Entertainment after more than 50 years with the company, effectively immediately,’ Mr Stringer wrote.  

‘It is time for a change in leadership and I will be making further announcements in terms of the new direction of our business in Australia and New Zealand in due course.’    

The departure comes just days after it was revealed that Sony Music was investigating claims of bullying and harassment within its Australian office, Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Mr Handlin is involved in any of the allegations.    

Out: Sony Music's global chairman Rob Stringer announced the departure of Mr Handlin (pictured) in an internal email to staff at 10.28am on Monday

Out: Sony Music’s global chairman Rob Stringer announced the departure of Mr Handlin (pictured) in an internal email to staff at 10.28am on Monday