British DJ Paul Oakenfold is facing a lawsuit from his former personal assistant, who accuses him of sexual harassment and workplace violations. The 24-year-old woman, identified as Jane Roe, claims Oakenfold masturbated in front of her on her first day of work in October 2022 and on three subsequent occasions, including once in her vehicle.
The lawsuit alleges that on one occasion in November 2022, Oakenfold masturbated in front of her four times in a single day. It states that Roe 'froze in fear and shock' and that the incidents 'increased in length and intensity' each time.
Oakenfold has categorically denied the claims, describing them as 'baseless' in a social media statement. He said: 'Respect, integrity, and consent are values I hold dear, and I have always treated everyone with 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.'
Roe reported the incidents to Oakenfold's management in November 2022 and was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement. She says she signed 'under duress' after being threatened with firing, and later had her hours reduced before being let go in March 2023. The lawsuit disputes this, claiming she was replaced.
The complaint also alleges that manager Paul Stepanek bragged about insurance policies to protect against lawsuits, and seeks damages in excess of $25,000. Oakenfold, 59, is a pioneering figure in dance music, having launched the acid house night Spectrum in London and become the first DJ to play Glastonbury's main stage in 1999.
