The techno scene has been shaken in recent days by allegations of sexual misconduct involving several prominent (hard) techno DJs. The controversy stems from posts and screenshots circulating on social media, in which women describe unwanted sexual messages, manipulative behavior, and abuse of power by artists.
ALSO READ: “People with a large influence are suddenly ‘DJ’s'”
Former booker sets events in motion
The controversy began when former booker Bradnolimit, who worked for the agency Steer Management, shared screenshots and statements on Instagram from women who say they were victims of inappropriate behavior by DJs. In the so-called “techno files,” artists including Shlømo, CARV, Odymel, Basswell, and Hades are mentioned. They are accused online of sending explicit messages, sexual harassment, and in some cases approaching minors.
According to reports, there is currently no confirmation of a police investigation or criminal convictions. Nevertheless, the impact has been immediate: bookings are being canceled, partnerships are being terminated, and festivals are adjusting their line-ups.
Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken
Festivals take action
In the Netherlands, festivals moved quickly. Dominator removed Hades and CARV from the lineup for its upcoming edition at E3 Beach. The organization stated that it stands for unity and respect within the scene. Other festivals, including DGTL, Awakenings, and Verknipt, also removed artists or put bookings on hold. Organizers emphasize that the safety of visitors and crew comes first, even in the absence of legal clarity.
DJs respond differently
CARV
Acknowledged that he engaged in private chat conversations with multiple women that became explicit and that he sent intimate photos of himself. He maintains that there was no non-consensual behavior or criminal activity. He says he was married at the time, hurt his partner, and misused social media. He has announced he will temporarily step back from public life.
Shlømo
Fully denies the allegations and describes them as a targeted defamation campaign originating from the Instagram account bradnolimit. He states there were never any non-consensual relationships or sexual contact with minors. He claims the shared evidence is falsified or misleading and has announced legal action.
Odymel
States that the incident occurred while he was asleep and refers to sexsomnia, a form of sleepwalking in which a person engages in sexual behavior without later remembering it. He says he has no recollection of what happened, has sought professional help, and is cooperating with an ongoing investigation. According to him, no legal ruling has been made.
Amelie Lens: “Stop protecting your ‘bros'”
Techno star Amelie Lens spoke out strongly about the situation. She says neither the dance floor nor backstage feels safe for women. “Safety has been treated as a ‘women’s problem’ for far too long,” she wrote. According to Lens, women have become accustomed to staying constantly alert – watching their drinks, signaling each other, and making sure friends never walk alone.
She stresses that the debate is not an attack on all men, but a call for accountability. “The question is not whether all men are responsible. The question is: when something is wrong, who speaks up? Who calls out their friend?”
According to Lens, the issue lies in a culture of silence and protecting reputations over people. “The reality is uncomfortable: very often the abuser is your friend. The ‘bro’ in the booth.” Her message is clear: stop automatically protecting one another and break the silence.
Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken
A new movement: MetooDJs
Meanwhile, the controversy appears to be giving rise to a broader movement. On Instagram, the account MetooDJs has been launched, stating that it has heard stories of sexual misconduct within the electronic music scene for years.
The initiative aims to build a confidential support network for victims of sexist and sexual violence within the industry. In a public call, the collective is seeking psychologists, lawyers, attorneys, addiction specialists, and other professionals willing to assist victims discreetly, without public exposure and with strict confidentiality.
According to the account, the issue is not limited to individual allegations but reflects a structural problem within the scene, where perpetrators have allegedly been “booked, rebooked, and protected” for too long.
Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken
