Allegations of sexual misconduct against Michael Franti have shocked many fans. After all, the singer’s public image – with constant messages of positivity and social consciousness – stands totally opposite of the manipulative and damaging behavior described by Franti’s accusers. Still, one man isn’t surprised by what has transpired: Franti’s former bandmate, Rono Tse.
“Michael is charismatic, but he has always been about control,” Tse remarked during a recent conversation with the San Francisco Chronicle. “He talks about changing the world, but it’s just corporate smiles and handshakes. There are a lot of people who got ripped off by him.”
Franti has been embroiled in scandal after singer Victoria Canal — whom Franti discovered as a teenager — revealed her traumatic experience with a “very powerful” older musician. Franti has denied any wrongdoing, but acknowledged cheating on his wife in what he described as a consensual affair. Since Canal went public, other women have come forward accusing Franti of similar damaging behavior.
Tse and Franti co-founded the hip-hop duo Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy in the early 1990s. The group enjoyed success and toured with the likes of U2 and Rage Against the Machine, however things ended in discourse. Tse claims Franti cut him out of ownership rights and alienated fellow bandmates.
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“I basically don’t have my publishing because of him,” Tse told the Chronicle. “That’s what Michael does.”
Following the end of Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, Franti went on to found Spearhead, later branching into a successful solo career. Tse, meanwhile, co-founded the music label Deep Entertainment.
Asked about the allegations against Franti, Tse claimed his former bandmate has always been “really weird about power and control.” He further suggested that the singer was very different behind the scenes than what his public image suggests.
“If you’re going to be righteous, be righteous,” Tse declared. “Don’t play this chameleon.”
