Full Breakdown
Hard Techno DJs Removed from Line-Ups Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
3/1/2026, 7:48:43 PM
Overview of the Allegations
A series of sexual misconduct allegations have led to the removal of several hard techno DJs from festival and club line-ups. Notable artists affected include French DJs Shlømo and Odymel, and German DJ CARV. The allegations, which surfaced in a series of Instagram posts by user BradNoLimit, include claims of rape, sexual harassment, and coercion. These posts, referred to as “the Steer Files,” prompted immediate action from various festivals and clubs, including XXL, GLITCH Festival, HIVE Festival, REBELS Mexico, Verknipt, Pitch Music & Arts, See You Festival, and Face2Face.
Response from Steer Management
Following the allegations, Steer Management, the agency representing the accused DJs, announced a commitment to conduct a “thorough review” of the claims. They subsequently confirmed the suspension of collaborations with the implicated artists, expressing solidarity with those who have come forward. The agency stated, “We wish to express our full solidarity with those who have the courage to speak out. We believe you, we listen, and we act.”
Individual Responses from Accused Artists
Shlømo has denied all allegations, labeling them as “slander.” Odymel acknowledged an incident involving a “person he had consensual relations with” during a state of somnambulism, which he claims he does not remember. CARV admitted to sending sexually explicit messages and images to several women but denied any wrongdoing regarding the allegations of misconduct.
Broader Impact on the Scene
The allegations have sparked a significant response within the hard techno community, with many artists distancing themselves from Steer Management. This includes departures from the agency by artists such as William Luck, Onlynumbers, 6ejou, Natte Visstick, and Lola Cerise. The situation has been described as “hard techno’s #MeToo,” highlighting the growing awareness and response to misconduct in the music industry.
Festival and Promoter Reactions
Promoters and festivals have also reacted to the allegations. Manchester promoter XXL Techno stated that while they cannot comment on specific allegations, they have removed artists from upcoming shows and will continue to monitor the situation. GLITCH Festival confirmed that Odymel would no longer perform at their 2026 event, emphasizing their condemnation of the allegations. HIVE Festival echoed this sentiment, stating, “Even though no conclusive results are available yet, it is our responsibility to take precautionary action and make a clear statement as a festival for our scene.”
Conflicting Reports
In a twist, one of the artists named by BradNoLimit, Fantasm, has denied the allegations against him and claimed that BradNoLimit himself has faced accusations of sexual misconduct from multiple women. This has added complexity to the ongoing discourse surrounding the allegations and the responses from the community.
Conclusion
The unfolding situation within the hard techno scene reflects a significant moment of reckoning regarding sexual misconduct. As more individuals come forward, the industry faces critical questions about accountability and the safety of artists and audiences alike.
