Full Breakdown
Slam Dunk Festival Founder Steps Down Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
4/26/2026, 1:13:42 PM
Director Steps Aside After Assault Allegations
On 25 April 2026, Slam Dunk Festival announced that a director had agreed, with the board, to step down from operations while a legal matter proceeds. The announcement follows posts by British actress and showgirl Jenny Miller, who alleges the director sexually assaulted her on several occasions, including an episode where he gave her cocaine, she lost consciousness, and he raped her. The festival’s statement says the director “strongly refutes” the claims but stresses a commitment to safety.
Festival Background and Key Players
Slam Dunk is a UK festival that has booked Fall Out Boy, Paramore and Every Time I Die. The 2026 edition, scheduled for next month, will feature headliners Knocked Loose, Good Charlotte and Taking Back Sunday. Founder Ben Ray is identified as the director. Miller says she is an actress and showgirl who worked as a paid dancer for Ray under a “strict rule” prohibiting physical contact.
Official Festival Statement
The festival issued a statement: “We are aware of allegations relating to one of our directors. We take these allegations seriously and understand they may be distressing.” It added that “our Slam Dunk fans, staff, and artists are our top priority.” While the director “strongly refutes these allegations,” the statement confirmed his step-down, reaffirmed a commitment to a “safe, respectful, and inclusive environment,” and said further comment would be “inappropriate” pending the legal process.
Allegations and Criticism
Miller’s posts allege she was paid to dance for Ray under a “strict rule” that barred touching. She claims Ray gave her cocaine, causing her to lose consciousness, after which he allegedly performed oral sex on her despite her pleas to stop. Miller says she is pursuing criminal charges and has informed Ray’s former spouse.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
The festival’s statement does not name the director, but Miller’s posts and media outlets identify him as Ben Ray. Ray has not issued a response, and police involvement has not been confirmed. No verification of the alleged text messages or drug provision has been released, leaving key details uncorroborated.
Impact and Future Outlook
The allegations raise concerns about safeguarding at music festivals and may affect confidence in Slam Dunk’s ability to provide a safe environment. The director’s removal could influence ticket sales and artist participation for the event. The festival remains scheduled for next month and has pledged to issue updates as the legal process proceeds.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This man sexually assaulted me multiple times on separate occasions and raped me while I was passing out from the coke he provided me.” — Jenny Miller
- “I am in the process of pressing charges against him for all the trauma he gave me.” — Jenny Miller
- “The man is vile.” — Jenny Miller
- “When I was passing out, begging him to stop and get off me, he pulled my knickers to the side and went down on me.” — Jenny Miller
