What is hazing? Definition of the term as lawyers for The Killers dismiss claims of sexual misconduct as ‘hazing’

CHICAGO - AUGUST 09: Ronnie Vannucci Jr., Brandon Flowers and Mark Stoermer of The Killers perform during the 2009 Lollapalooza music festival at Grant Park on August 9, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images)

Lawyers for rock band The Killers have concluded an internal investigation, stating that they were “unable to find any corroboration whatsoever” that an act of serious sexual misconduct was carried out by the group’s 2009 touring crew.

Allegations by sound engineer Chez Cherrie that a front of house sound engineer announced that “a girl set up in dressing room A” and that crew members could put their name on a list to be called “when it’s [their]” turn” have been described as “an attempt at a joke” or a “hazing” ritual.

A statement by the group’s lawyers read: “the idea of the band paying [crew] extra to ‘bring back girls’ or ‘have one waiting in the shower’ etc was an in-joke based upon urban legends of tours from an earlier era – ie roadie folklore – and not something any of them actually did, were ever asked to do, or ever attempted to do.”

Cherrie said that she was surprised that the radio call was labelled as hazing, saying this was symptomatic of a misogynistic industry.

She said: "If 'hazing' is the reason why I heard about the bonus incentives and otherwise, this reflects the larger issue in this industry. That 'hazing' towards the only women on the technical crew was normal, expected, accepted and not questioned by anyone, including myself."

What is hazing?

Hazing is usually associated with initiation ceremonies at universities and sports teams.

According to charity Hazing Prevention, hazing is any action taken or any situation created intentionally that causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule and risks emotional and/or physical harm to members of a group or team, whether new or not, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.”

Definitions of the term vary, but according to the charity, hazing exists when there is a power differential between senior or junior members of a group.

Hazing typically involves an intentional initiation rite, practice or ‘tradition’.

What are some examples of hazing?

According to Hazing Prevention the following are examples of hazing:

- Forced activities for new recruits to ‘prove’ their worth to join

- Forced or required consumption of alcohol

- Requirement to eat spicy foods, other substances

- Requirement to endure hardships such as staying awake, menial tasks, physical labour, running while blindfolded, etc.

- Humiliation of new or potential members

- Isolation of new or potential members

- Beatings, paddling, or other physical acts against new or potential members

- Requirements for new or potential members to do things established members are not required to do

- Illegal activities such as requirement to steal local items as part of a scavenger hunt