Paul Oakenfold has been sued for sexual harassment by a former personal assistant, who has alleged that the British DJ and producer repeatedly exposed himself and masturbated in front of her [via Deadline].
The following article contains potentially triggering material relating to sexual misconduct. If you believe you have experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct and are looking for support, consult the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime to find resources in your area.
Identified only as Jane Roe, the 24-year-old plaintiff filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday (June 2). She alleges that two management companies run by CEO Paul Stepanek, New Frequency Management and Stepanek Management, as well as 25 John Does, violated her employment rights.
The plaintiff alleges that Oakenfold's harassment took place on four separate occasions, each time without consent and with the awareness that "[she] could not escape." Roe claims began with the DJ exposing himself and masturbating in front of her on her first day assigned to work as his personal assistant for $20 an hour. On one occasion in November 2022, Oakenfold allegedly masturbated in the car while Roe drove him home from the post office.
UPDATE (6/5, 3:28 p.m. ET): Oakenfold has responded to the allegations, posting the following statement on social media:
I want to address recent allegations of sexual harassment made against me. Let me be absolutely clear: I categorically deny any and all claims of improper conduct. Respect, integrity, and consent are values I hold dear, and I have always treated everyone with utmost professionalism. It is disheartening to see these baseless accusations, which appear to be nothing more than a calculated attempt to tarnish my reputation and extort money. I am committed to fully cooperating with any investigations to clear my name and will exhaust all legal remedies available, including the option to countersue, to protect my reputation and seek justice. Thank you for your unwavering support and understanding during this challenging time.
The following article contains potentially triggering material relating to sexual misconduct. If you believe you have experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct and are looking for support, consult the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime to find resources in your area.
Identified only as Jane Roe, the 24-year-old plaintiff filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday (June 2). She alleges that two management companies run by CEO Paul Stepanek, New Frequency Management and Stepanek Management, as well as 25 John Does, violated her employment rights.
The plaintiff alleges that Oakenfold's harassment took place on four separate occasions, each time without consent and with the awareness that "[she] could not escape." Roe claims began with the DJ exposing himself and masturbating in front of her on her first day assigned to work as his personal assistant for $20 an hour. On one occasion in November 2022, Oakenfold allegedly masturbated in the car while Roe drove him home from the post office.
UPDATE (6/5, 3:28 p.m. ET): Oakenfold has responded to the allegations, posting the following statement on social media:
I want to address recent allegations of sexual harassment made against me. Let me be absolutely clear: I categorically deny any and all claims of improper conduct. Respect, integrity, and consent are values I hold dear, and I have always treated everyone with utmost professionalism. It is disheartening to see these baseless accusations, which appear to be nothing more than a calculated attempt to tarnish my reputation and extort money. I am committed to fully cooperating with any investigations to clear my name and will exhaust all legal remedies available, including the option to countersue, to protect my reputation and seek justice. Thank you for your unwavering support and understanding during this challenging time.
After reporting the harassment to her employer, Stepanek had the plaintiff sign a nondisclosure agreement while she was "under duress." She was eventually reassigned to another client, albeit with reduced hours, before her employment was subsequently terminated in March of this year, supposedly due to lack of work.
Roe is seeking damages in excess of $25,000 USD for her five claims of labour violation in relation to harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination.