Delta Festival "bans" co-founder Olivier Ledot amid sexual violence allegations
The Marseille-based electronic festival took place as usual over the weekend, despite several artist drop-outs
Content Warning: This article includes accounts of sexual assault and may be distressing for some readers.
Olivier Ledot, the co-founder and president of Marseille-based electronic music festival Delta, has been removed from his position following allegations of sexual violence.
Ahead of this year’s edition of Delta Festival, which took place over the weekend from July 23 - 26 at the Plages du Prado, French media outlet Marsactu shared alleged testimonies from multiple women who had volunteered at Delta, accusing Ledot of sexual violence.
Ledot strongly denied the allegations, saying that he was "outraged" by the response, and that he believed it was aimed at "damaging" both his and the festival’s reputation.
According to Le Berry Républicain, an official complaint was not made against Ledot. An independent investigation has been set up, the festival said.
Delta Festival went ahead as usual over the weekend despite dozens of artists dropping out in the wake of the allegations. Pegassi, Acid Arab and Mosimann were amongst those who removed themselves from the 200-strong line-up.
Ahead of this year’s edition, Delta Festival shared a statement on Instagram condemning the alleged accusations against Ledot, writing: "We offer our unwavering and unconditional support to the victims of sexist and sexual violence and harassment."
They confirmed that Ledot had been removed from his "operational management" position, and that he would be "banned from the festival site".
"Our priority is the safety of everyone attending the festival. A festive event must remain a safe space for all – including employees, volunteers, partners, and you, the festivalgoers," Delta said (translated from French).
"We will support any effort aimed at enabling those affected to speak out, while respecting their confidentiality and safety," they added, urging anyone with information to contact them at signalementsdelta@gmail.com.
Read the full statement below.
Mixmag has reached out to Delta Festival and Olivier Ledot for comment.
AFEM sponsor a confidential support service for anyone affected by sexual harassment within the Electronic Music Industry.
Health Assured provide the service to ensure confidential expert counselling and a safe and supportive environment for anyone who has been affected and needs guidance and support. Call 0800 030 5182, (Outside the UK: +44 800 030 5182) where trained experts will listen and support.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor