Paul Oakenfold Has Been Accused Of Sexually Harassing His Former Assistant

CONTENT WARNING: This article contains discussion of sexual assault. If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au

London trance artist Paul Oakenfold has been accused of sexually harassing his former assistant, according to a lawsuit filed in the LA Superior Court last Friday (June 2).

As reported by NME, Oakenfold’s former employee – identified in legal documents as 24-year-old Jane Roe – alleged that she was harassed by the DJ and producer on multiple occasions over the course of her employment. Roe detailed five individual claims, each alleged to have occurred after Oakenfold hired her as his personal assistant in October 22. 

The claims state that Oakenfold exposed himself and masturbated in front of Roe four times, the first allegedly on the day she started working for him. 

Roe also alleged that two of the companies affiliated with Oakenfold, New Frequency Management and Stepanek Management – both operated by CEO Paul Stepanek – violated her rights as an employee; it’s reported that when Roe reported Oakenfold’s alleged misconduct, they responded by requesting she sign a nondisclosure agreement. 

The lawsuit claims that Roe refused to sign the document, leading her to be prevented from returning to work. She’s said to have eventually signed the agreement “under duress” and was barred from working with Oakenfold when she returned to her duties – however she was allegedly given a reduced workload as a result of the incident, and was ultimately laid off in March of this year.

Oakenfold responded to the allegations overnight, writing in a statement shared on social media that he “categorically den[ies] any and all claims of improper conduct” leveraged against him. He continued: “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.”

The DJ and producer went on to claim that he is “am committed to fully cooperating with any investigations” launched into the accusations, and is willing to “exhaust all legal remedies available, including the option to countersue, to protect my reputation and seek justice”. He said in closing: “Thank you for your unwavering support and understanding during this challenging time.”

Oakenfold first rose to prominence in the late 1980s, and found mainstream success with remixes of songs by the likes of The Cure, Snoop Dogg and Elvis Presley. He’s released four of his own studio albums, with the most recent being last year’s Shine On.