Why You Should Care.
Every time you stream a song by Ariana Grande, Kendrick Lamar, or thousands of other Universal Music Group artists, you're sending money to Vincent Bolloré – a French billionaire who built his fortune on corruption, money laundering, land theft, environmental destruction, sexual exploitation, and human rights abuses across Africa.
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Bolloré used illegal profits to build his media empire, which includes controlling ownership of Universal Music Group – THE WORLD’S LARGEST MUSIC COMPANY.
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11 organizations from 6 African countries are fighting back and you should too.
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According to prosecutors, Bolloré used illegal profits to build his media empire, which includes controlling ownership of Universal Music Group – the world's largest music company.
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This isn't just about music. It's about accountability and justice for people who continue to suffer while Bolloré’s profits soar.
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By demanding Bolloré divest his UMG shares, we can send a powerful message that the music industry won't continue to sanitize wealth generated through exploitation and suffering.
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Sign this open letter urging Bolloré to divest his UMG shares.
Who is VINCENT BOLLORÉ
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Bolloré Group aggressively expands into African port operations
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Early allegations emerge of intimidation and political interference
GAINING INFLUENCE AND CONTROL IN WEST AFRICA
2010-2013
2000-2010
Vincent Bolloré is the Largest shareholder of Universal Music Group, the biggest music company on Earth
THE BOLLORÉ METHOD
Bollore-owned Plantations in Sierra Leone, Liberia
After Bolloré took control, female employees at the port were often told their salaries would only be given to them in exchange for sexual favors. Women who spoke up were simply fired. Women endured this abuse for YEARS before finally speaking up. For years, women endured this humiliation just to keep food on the table.
Sierra Leone & Cameroon
People used to fish in, drink, and bathe in local lakes. Then Bolloré showed up. Within a few years, the water became poisoned with chemicals. He planted rubber trees on burial grounds and grave sites. When people protested, Bollore sent security to intimidate them. When they tried to complain to the government, but little to nothing happened. They couldn’t fight a billionaire who was friends with their president.
Nigeria, Liberia, and Cameroon
When Bolloré wanted to expand his palm oil plantation, he didn't negotiate. He sent armed security forces to burn communities to the ground. Families were given a choice: flee or die. Homes were turned to ash. Lives were destroyed. And no one received compensation for their losses.
Photo: Shutterstock / COMEO