Hard Techno Scene Shakeup

The recent wave of misconduct allegations in the hard techno scene originated from a series of social media posts by an individual claiming to be a former employee of the Paris-based booking agency, Steer Management. These posts included screenshots of alleged conversations and detailed accusations against several prominent DJs. The allegations name several artists, including French DJs Shlømo and Odymel, and German DJ CARV. Other DJs, such as Basswell and Fantasm, have also been implicated in the online posts. The accusations range from sexual harassment and coercion to rape. In response, numerous festivals and clubs across Europe, Australia, and the Americas have removed the accused artists from their lineups. Events such as Verknipt in the Netherlands, Pitch Music & Arts in Australia, and HIVE Festival in Germany acted swiftly as the allegations circulated. Steer Management also announced it has suspended its collaboration with the DJs involved pending a review. Some of the accused artists have publicly denied the claims. Shlømo referred to the allegations as "slander" and a "campaign of defamation," while CARV admitted to being unfaithful to his partner but denied any criminal wrongdoing. Odymel cited a rare sleep disorder, sexsomnia, stating he has no memory of the alleged incident. As of late February 2026, no formal criminal charges have been confirmed in relation to the claims. This situation has been dubbed "hard techno's #MeToo" on social media, sparking a wider conversation about accountability, power dynamics, and artist conduct within the electronic music industry. The controversy has led to increased calls for clearer safety policies, consent training, and more robust support systems for survivors of abuse in nightlife settings.