Diplo sued in California over alleged distribution of revenge porn

Diplo has been sued for allegedly distributing revenge porn.

In filings seen by Rolling Stone, it is alleged that Diplo - real name Thomas Wesley Pentz - had shared “pornographic images” of the plaintiff with her seeking damages of at least $450,000 (£355,185).

The plaintiff - who remains anonymous under the name Jane Doe - filed the lawsuit on June 26 in a California federal court.

Doe claims that she was 21-years-old when she first began talking and exchanging intimate images with the DJ via Snapchat in April 2016 before meeting in person in June 2016.

According to the court papers, the pair were in a “casual” relationship for seven years with Doe alleging that Diplo would sometimes film their sexual encounters with her consent.

However, Doe continues to claim that she would ask the artist to keep the footage and photos private.

Last November, the plaintiff says that someone reached out to her claiming that they were in possession of sexual videos and images of Doe.

“Upon information and belief,” the lawsuit adds, “defendant Diplo has continued to disclose and/or distribute [Doe’s] intimate images and/or videos from 2018 through present.”

The lawsuit continues to share that Doe filed a police report in New York on November 7, and days later “the NYPD issued a warrant for Defendant Diplo’s arrest for dissemination of intimate images and/or videos depicting”.

Speaking with Rolling Stones, the NYPD did neither confirm nor deny that there was a warrant for Diplo but confirmed that there was an active investigation.

“There is a criminal complaint on file for unlawful dissemination for a suspect with the name of Thomas Pentz which is currently being investigated by NYPD detectives,” a spokesperson told the publication.

The filing also states: “Plaintiff has and will continue to suffer personal injury from the disclosure and/or distribution of the intimate images and/or videos depicting her genitals and face while she was engaged in sexually explicit activity.

“The permanent harm she proximately suffers includes but is not limited to extreme and severe emotional distress with physical manifestations, anxiety, depression, and loss of privacy.”

Recently, Diplo has taken to Instagram to share the message: “Don’t believe what you read in the news.”

His statement refers to claims that the DJ is currently under investigation for hosting an illegal rave in Ibiza, according to Spanish news outlet Olive Press followed by a mention of the current situation with Jane Doe.

Mentioning the lawsuit in his statement, Diplo says: “I didn’t send dirty Snapchats in 2017”.

This is the second time that Diplo has been accused of sharing explicit photos without consent.

In 2020, Shelly Auguste accused the DJ of coercing her into having sex with him as well as recording and sharing the encounter without her knowledge.

Diplo denies the allegations later winning $1.2million against the accuser in fees, damages, costs and expenses.

However, Auguste has granted a restraining order against Pentz and is currently suing the DJ for sexual battery, assault, defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Diplo went on to request his own restraining order against Auguste claiming she tried to “stalk and harass” him.

Later in July 2021, another Jane Doe sued the DJ for sexual assault, which was then eventually dropped. Diplo denied all allegations.

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.

[Via: Rolling Stone]

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Multimedia Editor, follow her on Twitter