Lobster Theremin founder Asquith accused of sexual assault

WARNING: This article includes accounts of sexual harassment and may be distressing for some readers. Resources for support are listed at the end of this article

Lobster Theremin boss Asquith, real name Jimmy Asquith, has been accused of sexual assault, grooming, and coercion by a former employee.

Speaking out about the alleged account of sexual assault, Glasgow-based DJ Inez posted a public statement on Friday, September 30, detailing past experiences with the label head whom she formerly worked alongside.

According to Inez, real name Shona, the pair first met while playing a party together last year, and Asquith soon “convinced” the Glasgow-based DJ to move to London, where they became friends. Shona later worked under the Lobster Theremin label one day a week.

“I put a lot of trust in him, as he was over a decade my senior and had a lot of experience in the industry, so I did,” Shona explains. “Looking back, there were a few red flags at the beginning of the friendship (such as sending me money and buying me things).

“But I was so excited about the prospect of a major step up in my career that I thought I was just being silly,” she says in her statement.

Shona then accused Asquith of acting “extremely inappropriately”, before allegedly coercing her to go back to his flat despite saying no multiple times. “I felt pressured and feared of being stranded alone in a new city and Ubers were failing to show."

According to Shona, the DJ then sexually assaulted her. “I was grabbed, and asked forcefully to perform sexual acts whilst he exposed and touched himself. Not once was any consent made and I did not know how to react except freeze up from fear,” she added.

Shona also alleged that this was not “an isolated incident”, and that his “inappropriate and controlling behaviours” continued both over text and in person. Read the full statement from Shona below.

Since her allegation, others working in the industry have come forward to share their experiences with Asquith. Berlin-based DJ Amy Dabbs alleged that the label owner “coerced” her into letting him stay in her home last year.

“[Asquith] then intimidated me in my own home so much that I had a panic attack in my bathroom, and subsequently tried to pressgang me into letting him stay again a few weeks later (and when I said no I was gaslighted as if I’d screwed up his plans),” she said in a public statement yesterday.

Co-founder of Australian club Canberra House Social, Mitch Lamb, also spoke out about the DJ whom he booked for a party in 2019. He added that is was "the worst experience any of us can recall when dealing with a touring artist."

"Asquith got incredibly intoxicated during his set, acted inappropriately with several of our female crew members and even kissed a punter even though we understood he had a partner at that time," he posted on Twitter. Read the statement below.

DJs including Coco Bryce, DJ Seinfeld, and Mr. Mitch have come forward offering their support, severing ties with both the DJ, his flagship label, and all sub-labels created under the Lobster Theremin roster, many of whom have also pulled forthcoming releases with the label.

Last night, Asquith responded to allegations in a post on social media. The 36-year-old denied all allegations. “I am going to start by strongly refuting the allegations of sexual assault that have been made against me this weekend,” he posted to Lobster Theremin’s pages.

The DJ alleged that the pair had been “having drinks at a bar, having a good time and being a bit over the top”. He went on to add that there was “mild flirting, rude chat and occasional friendly contact.”

“When we arrived I checked up on my cat and then went to bed with nothing further occurring,” Asquith alleged. Read the full statement below.

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 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 Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter