Rick is one of seven nominees for this accolade, where he was nominated for speaking out against sexual assault and harassment. He accused Nashville PR mogul Kirt Webster, the president of Webster & Associates Public Relations, for “coercing him into performing sexual acts.” An up-and-coming country artist at the time, Rick was afraid to speak up against Webster in fear of retaliation, so when he opened up this fall, via his social networks, many more individuals (including former employees) were inspired to speak up and tell their stories of abuse and harassment.
Following the news of his nomination for the 2017 Taste of Country “Brave Hero Award,” Rick issued the following statement to the media: “I’m ultimately humbled, and I thank them,” Rick said. He further added that he does not consider himself a hero, since he told his own story, with the knowledge that it was the “only true right thing to do.”
Rick noted that he did not realize that he could move beyond his “own victimization,” and subsequently serve as a “voice and face” for other victims of Kirt Webster’s harassment.
To cast your vote for Austin Rick for Taste of Country’s “Brave Hero,” check out its official website.
For more information on Austin Rick’s Go Fund Me campaign, click here.
