Hard Techno's sexual misconduct scandals uncovered
by Isaac Marshall
Read Time: 3 mins
Massive uproar has taken place in the Hard Techno scene as of recent, with a whistle-blower revealing alleged sexual misconduct from many high profile artists in that scene. Known as bradnolimit on Instagram, a former employee for Steer management agency named artists Shlomo, Fantasm, Odymel, Basswell and CARV for various forms of sexual misconduct, including sexting without consent and seducing people heavily under the influence.
Many of the artists accused have spoken publicly, with a variety of responses. Shlomo and Fantasm denied all allegations and made counter-claims of attempts at defamation. Odymel admitted to inappropriate behaviour but claimed the events unfolded during a "a somnambulism episode of a sexual nature", essentially sleepwalking, so "I can therefore only rely on (the partner's) own version of events to tell you what happened" as he said on Instagram.
CARV, who wears a mask, came out to say that he had sent various people inappropriate images but denies that they were not consensual. He also said he would quit DJing, telling his followers "I have deeply hurt people, most notably my wife, to whom I was unfaithful. The project DJ Carv ends here."
The accused artists have been removed from a multitude of lineups, including prestigious events such as GLITCH Festival, Pitch Music & Arts, Teletech and XXL. Steer Management suspended collaboration with the accused artists, and many of their roster also left Steer such as Onlynumbers and DJ Physical.
In a distressing time for the scene, many women in the scene spoke out, with Amelie Lens addressing her instagram followers to say "safety has been treated as a "women's problem" for far too long" and that women in the dance music scene "have been forced to become our own security" when it comes to making sure they are safe both at events and in wider general life.
A standout point from Amelie Lens' statement was that "what sustains the problem is silence, minimization and protecting reputations before protecting people", referencing ""the bros" standing by and laughing along" as opposed to holding people accountable for their actions.
Sim0ne also shared on TikTok "the way that the community seems to have banded together is really great", with movements such as MeTooDJs offering a support network for victims and documenting any cases of sexual misconduct brought to them throughout the scene. Sim0ne went on to say she will be "talking to my agents and to promoters... about personal safety in green rooms because [] these are people that we have to share spaces with and leave our drinks around... and that's not fair to ask any of us to do and... the festival goers or the club goers to do."
Fan response has been mixed. Many have been supportive of their removals from lineups, but small sections of fans have retaliated with comments like "I stan with Fantasm here. No one could make me hate him ever" on Sim0ne's TikTok and "0 evidence btw" on bradnolimit's Instagram.
We can only hope that justice will be served properly, and for closure for any victims involved. If you've been affected by any sensitive material in this post, please contact rapecrisis.org.uk through their website or on 0808 500 222.
Sources: Instagram, Change Underground, Euronews, TikTok