In short: We are two women who have experienced (and are still experiencing) abuse, harassment & assault from Steve 'Skruff' Owen - a drummer from the UK.

Steve Owen's photo appears on Spotify as the profile image for the band Leatherface. The band aren't active anymore, but have a big fan base. Past and previous members were unaware of the abuse we experienced, which happened after the band broke up.

Leatherface do not condone Owen's behaviour - however, past members we approached cannot access the account to change the image.

To be clear: Steve 'Skruff' Owen is second from the right on the photograph we would like removing:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5U2ZCAePO7c2os72YAYBKt?si=lZl5zD-KSOuef2Kqwd49AA

Here's why we believe removing Steve 'Skruff' Owen's image from Spotify is important:

1. Steve Owen uses social media to contact women, often those who do not know of his history. He always lays his small involvement in Leatherface on thick. As you can imagine, having his photo on such a public music profile is enabling further abuse by placing him in a position of authority and influence.
2. Steve Owen is a narcissist. By definition, narcissists rely on others for the self-assurance and substance they lack. Leaving this image on the official Leatherface profile is further enabling Skruff's inflated persona, exaggerated entitlement, and opportunities to abuse/control women.
3. Steve Owen was removed from Rebellion Festival in recent years after being inappropriate & abusive to three separate women. He made advances on each woman, becoming aggressive if they rejected his advances. His mere presence in the music scene - online and offline - puts women at risk.
4. It is highly distressing and offensive for the people who Steve Owen has abused to see his face appear on their Spotify listening history. Despite making a conscious choice not to listen to Leatherface on Spotify, the band may still appear in playlists relating to the same genre.

Details of abuse and assault (CW: mentions r*pe):

Collectively, the abuse we've experienced from Steve Owen spans from 2014 to March 2021, examples of which can be seen here: https://imgur.com/gallery/8VdG2lg 

The abuse includes harassment, emotional abuse, coercive control, domestic abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, death threats, and rape.

Despite being arrested on a rape charge, cautioned for domestic violence, and recordings of his abuse shared publicly on YouTube, Steve 'Skruff' Owen has gone on to abuse more women. 

We believe - and have experienced - Steve 'Skruff' Owen using his music credentials to influence women into believing he is trustworthy and respected. We know of at least three other women who have been in touch with first-hand experience of his abusive, manipulative, controlling behaviour.

This is not a case of separating the musician from the music as:

A) he is no longer in Leatherface;

B) has played on no studio albums;

C) has not contributed to Leatherface's music other than live gigs;

D) was a drummer in the band for a very short period of time and;

E) the very connection of this musician to this music is what is helping Steve Owen's cycle of abuse continue.

Previous members of Leatherface strongly do not wish to be connected to Steve Owen's abusive behaviour. A previous member of the band has stated:

"I'm obviously very shocked at what you’re telling me, none of which has any place in my life, family or friends at all. I can also add Leatherface for that matter & any past or previous band members."

"Spotify is a platform that anyone who has some involvement with a band / label literally get a link to a unique ID code of that particular band. Like many bands they will be and are connected to dozens of bands / labels etc, so it could be anyone of dozens. I’m afraid I’m not and don’t have any access to this account. It would be a label who has released their records but could pick up any photo."

There are other photos (this one is great) without featuring Steve 'Skruff' Owen.

We do not believe that rapists and abusers should be given a platform, in this case Spotify.

We believe that women should feel safe, in every community, on every platform, online and offline. 

It’s the smallest change, but it can have a huge impact.

Thanks in advance!