Paul Oakenfold denies sexual harassment allegations in new statement
The producer is accused of sexual harassment of his former assistant
Content warning: this article includes accounts of sexual harassment and may be distressing for some readers.
Paul Oakenfold has denied recent sexual harassment allegations against him in a new statement, calling them “baseless accusations”.
Oakenfold is accused of sexual harassment of his former assistant, identified only as Jane Doe, and currently faces a lawsuit seeking in excess of $25,000 in damages for retaliation, harassment, discrimination, failure to prevent harassment and discrimination, and wrongful termination.
The lawsuit was filed on Friday, June 2, at the Los Angeles Superior Court by a 24-year-old woman, a former employee of New Frequency Management, the Los Angeles-based music management company which manages Oakenfold.
He was accused of exposing himself and masturbating in front of Jane Doe, who was 23 years old at the time, while they were alone in his house together on the first day they began working together. He’s also accused of four separate incidents on November 18, 2022, where Oakenfold was alleged to have masturbated in her presence.
He is also alleged to have masturbated in the passenger seat of the plaintiff’s vehicle while she drove him home from the post office. The full court filing can be read here.
Oakenfold has now responded to the allegations on social media. “I want to address recent allegations of sexual harassment made against me,” he started.
“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 the utmost professionalism.”
Oakenfold called such allegations “baseless accusations”, claiming that they “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,” he added.
Jane Doe began working for New Frequency Management in October 2022 and was assigned to Paul Oakenfold as a personal assistant at a rate of $20 an hour.
The plaintiff reported cases of harassment to the company’s management and alleges that the response was being presented with an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) and being prevented from returning to work until she signed it.
After returning to work, she was no longer assigned to work with Oakenfold, but claims her hours were “dramatically reduced” before her employment was terminated in March 2023, with the reason given as “lack of work”.
Mixmag has reached out to Paul Oakenfold, New Frequency Management and Paul Stepanek Management 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 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 Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter