Recording Academy President Steps Down Amid Backlash

SANTA MONICA, CA – Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow, who came under fire earlier this year for comments about female representation at the Grammy Awards, announced Thursday he will step down from his post when his contract expires next year.

"When I had the honor of being selected to lead this great organization in 2002, I vowed that on my watch, for the first time in our history, we would have a thoughtful, well-planned and collegial transition," he said. "With a little more than a year remaining on my current contract, I've decided that this is an appropriate time to deliver on that promise.

"Accordingly, I'll be working without our board to put the various elements in place that will ensure transparency, best practices and the Academy's ability to find the very best, brightest and qualified leadership to take us into our seventh decade of operation," he said. "I truly look forward to continuing my role leading the academy in the year ahead, and to continuing the pursuit of excellence and the fine missions we embrace and deliver."

Portnow's contract to lead the group that puts on the annual Grammy Awards expires in July 2019.

Portnow came under fire following the Grammys earlier this year after questions arose over the lack of female nominees in the show's top categories. Portnow responded to the questions by saying women "who want to be musicians, engineers, producers and want to be part of the industry on the executive level (need) to step up."

The remark sparked a furor among female artists and executives, a group of which sent a letter to the Recording Academy calling for Portnow's ouster as president.

Related: 'Female Advancement' Task Force Made After Male-Dominated Grammys

"We do not have to sing louder, jump higher or be nicer to prove ourselves," the letter stated. "We step up every single day and have been doing do for a long time. That fact that you don't realize this means it's time for you to step down."

Portnow later apologized for the remark and acknowledged "the hurt that my poor choice of words following last Sunday's Grammy telecast has caused."

"I also now realize that it's about more than just my words," he said. "Because those words, while not reflective of my beliefs, echo the real experience of too many women. I'd like to help make that right."

He later announced the creation of a task force charged with exploring ways to improve "female advancement" in the industry.

More recently, former MusiCares Vice President Dana Tomarken, who was fired in April after 25 years, alleged that Portnow had diverted money away from the MusiCares charity. She also accused Portnow of other financial missteps surrounding the planning of the annual MusiCares Person of the Year event.

The academy issued a statement denying the allegations.

City News Service; Photo: NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 25: Warner Music Group branding is displayed on a GRAMMY award trophy during the Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Party in association with V Magazine on January 25, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for Warner Music Group for Warner Music Group)