Michael Franti splits with management amid abuse claims

Michael Franti ends his ten-year relationship with Activist Artist Management amid sexual abuse allegations by Victoria Canal.

Michael Franti Parts Ways With Manager After Abuse Claims

Michael Franti has parted ways with Activist Artist Management after nearly a decade as a client, multiple sources told Billboard. Victoria Canal publicly accused Franti of sexual abuse, while Franti denied the accusations and said the relationship was consensual. Canal described the relationship as controlling and said she was harmed over years.

The episode shows how private misconduct claims collide with public careers in the music world. When a long-term manager relationship ends, the move can ripple through bookings, sponsorships, and future work. The public nature of Canal’s allegations puts Franti and his team under intense scrutiny while the industry weighs accountability against due process.

The case also highlights how quickly reputational risk can crystallize into real business consequences. As the Soulshine at Sea cruise faces cancellations tied to acts pulling out, the incident tests crisis management and raises questions about how teams respond to sensitive claims while protecting victims and preserving due process.

Highlights

The industry will watch how accountability and privacy balance in the public eye