DJ Paul Oakenfold faces sexual harassment lawsuit

Renowned DJ and composer Paul Oakenfold, known for his Grammy-nominated work and contributions to the “Swordfish” soundtrack, is facing serious allegations of sexual harassment and workplace violations. A former personal assistant, Jane Roe, has filed a lawsuit against Oakenfold and his management companies, along with manager Paul Stepanek and other unnamed individuals. The lawsuit, filed in LA Superior Court on Friday, details disturbing incidents that allegedly occurred while Roe was working as Oakenfold’s personal assistant.
According to court documents obtained by Deadline, the British trance DJ is accused of exposing and touching himself in front of Roe on four separate occasions. These incidents reportedly took place on different dates while she was working at Oakenfold’s residence. The lawsuit claims that Roe, who was 23 years old at the time, experienced this inappropriate behavior multiple times, causing significant distress.
In addition to the allegations against Oakenfold, the lawsuit asserts that two management companies associated with the DJ, as well as Paul Stepanek and other individuals, violated Roe’s employment rights. The plaintiff is seeking damages for five claims that amount to more than $25,000.
Roe’s employment as a personal assistant to Oakenfold began in October 2022 under the New Frequency agency, with a wage of $20 per hour. The lawsuit states that on her very first day, Oakenfold allegedly cornered Roe and intentionally masturbated in front of her while they were alone in his home. The court filing further alleges that on one day in November 2022, the DJ repeated this behavior four times. There is also an accusation that he engaged in the act while in Roe’s vehicle, with the plaintiff only inches away.
After reporting the incident to management on November 29, 2022, Roe claims she was presented with a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) two days later. Allegedly, when she refused to sign the agreement, she was threatened with termination and prevented from returning to work. Under duress, Roe eventually signed the NDA, although the court filing highlights the coercion she experienced. Although she was allowed to continue working, her hours were significantly reduced, and she was no longer assigned to Oakenfold but to other clients.
Tragically, in March 2023, Roe was laid off due to what the court papers describe as “a lack of work.” The lawsuit argues that her termination was not justified and was, in fact, a retaliatory action in response to her complaints about the sexual harassment she endured.
Paul Oakenfold is a prominent figure in the music industry and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Britney Spears, U2, and the Rolling Stones. However, these serious allegations have cast a dark shadow over his career, pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.