The hard techno universe is spinning as fast as the beats it produces. This time, it's not just the bass dropping – it's bombshell allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct. The rumors began circulating when Brad No Limit, a former employee of the agency Steer, came forward with accusations against influential industry figures. Steer, known for managing over 35 artists and coordinating thousands of performances globally, now finds itself at the epicenter of this storm.
Brad's revelations have pointed fingers at several artists, turning the spotlight uncomfortably bright. Among those accused is Shlømo, whose alleged actions include rape, sexual abuse, and grooming. Basswell faces serious accusations of assault on a Colombian woman and sending inappropriate photos to fans. The drama doesn't end there – Odymel is accused of trying to buy silence from a victim, although he claims amnesia due to sleepwalking. Meanwhile, artist CARV admits to infidelities and sharing explicit images but denies criminal actions. Although details on Fantasm are scarce, the impact of these allegations is undeniable.
“Inaction is not an option,” stated Steer, emphasizing their commitment to address the issue while conducting an internal review.
The ripple effect has been significant. Festivals across the globe have responded to the allegations by canceling or dropping performances featuring the accused artists. High-profile events like Hive Festival, Sea You Festival in Germany, and Glitch Festival in Malta are among those taking a stand. Meanwhile, the industry is not standing idly by. DJs like Marten Hørger and Alley Kay have shown their support for the victims. Steer, once closely linked with these artists, has suspended collaborations and is taking steps to investigate the matter further.
In light of these events, the platform Me Too DJs has been a beacon for those affected, offering essential resources like psychological support and legal advice. While much of the discourse is happening through social media, the pressure is mounting for more formal actions. This scandal may very well be a turning point for the hard techno scene, as the industry grapples with what could be a profound cultural shift.