Paul Oakenfold denies reports of sexual harassment by former assistant in statement
The Grammy-nominated trance DJ is reported to have masturbated in front of his 23 year-old personal assistant multiple times
Content warning: This article contains information relating to sexual harassment.
Paul Oakenfold has issued a statement denying a recent report of sexual harassment made against him by a former personal assistant, describing the accusations as “baseless”.
A lawsuit was filed on 2nd June at the Los Angeles Superior Court by a 24 year-old woman, who is a former employee of New Frequency Management, the company that manages Oakenfold. The woman, who is identified as Jane Roe, is suing the longstanding UK DJ, two companies run by Paul Stepanek – New Frequency Management and Paul Stepanek Management – and a number of other unnamed people, for damages relating to violation of employment rights and alleged sexual harassment.
According to the suit, Jane Roe was assigned to be Oakenfold’s personal assistant shortly after she took a job at the management company in October 2022, while she was 23 years-old. Oakenfold reportedly exposed himself and masturbated in front of her on numerous occasions, including on the first day of their working together, while they were alone in his home. On one date, in November 2022, Oakenfold is alleged to have done so four times in one day. He is also reported to have done so once in the passenger seat of her car. The full court filing can be read here.
Responding to the report, Oakenfold said: “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. It is disheartening to see these baseless accusations, which appear to be nothing more than a calculated attempt to tarnish my reputation and extort money.”
The statement continued: “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. Thank you for your unwavering support and understanding during this challenging time.” Oakenfold's statement can be found here.
The woman is said to have reported the incidents to New Frequency Management CEO Paul Stepanek, and was allegedly asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) as a result. She said she was prevented from returning to work until she eventually signed the NDA “under duress”. An email she received from Stepanek stated that “nothing in the agreement would impact your ability to report or discuss sexual harassment”.
After returning to work she was not assigned to work with Oakenfold, but Roe allegedly had her hours “dramatically reduced”. Her employment ended in March 2023, with the citation given being “lack of work”.
Jane Roe is seeking damages in excess of $25,000 wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment and failure to prevent harassment.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, the following organisations may be able to provide help and advice:
In the UK
Victim Support
Provides help and information for anyone who has been affected by a crime, including a violent or sexual assault, or is wary about involving the police.
Helpline: 0845 30 30 900 (Seven days a week)
Website: www.victimsupport.org
The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre
Support and information for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused, however long ago and whatever the circumstances.
Helpline: 0845 1221 331 (Seven days a week)
Website: www.rapecrisis.org.uk
In North America
RAINN
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization
The National Sexual Assault Hotline (24 hours, seven days a week):800.656.HOPE (4673), online.rainn.org, rainn.org/es
Website: https://www.rainn.org/
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is the leading nonprofit in providing information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence.
Directory of organizations: https://www.nsvrc.org/organizations
Website: https://www.nsvrc.org/
