The global hard techno scene is facing one of its most serious moments of introspection in recent memory, as multiple artists have been removed from major European festival lineups following the circulation of sexual misconduct allegations online.
According to reports, several high-profile event organizers have confirmed that a number of artists will no longer appear at upcoming shows while allegations continue to spread across social media. Among the festivals and event brands taking action are Verknipt, World Club Dome, and Airbeat One.
Artists removed from lineups include Shlømo, Basswell, CARV, and Odymel. Organizers cited what they described as “serious allegations” that have gained widespread attention over the past week, prompting precautionary decisions while the situation unfolds.
The allegations initially surfaced through posts shared by an Instagram user identified as @bradnolimit, who claims to be a former agent at Steer Management, a French agency that previously represented several of the artists involved. In response, Steer Management announced it had suspended its working relationships with Shlømo, Basswell, and CARV.
In the days that followed, the situation escalated further. Multiple artists previously signed to Steer, including DJ Physical, alt8, and Lola Cerise, publicly confirmed their departures from the agency. Shortly afterward, Steer Management removed its entire artist roster from its official website without issuing additional commentary, adding to speculation and concern within the electronic music community.
Shlømo has since released a public statement denying the allegations. In his response, he described the situation as a “sustained defamation and harassment campaign,” which he attributed to a former American booking representative.
“I have never committed sexual abuse against a woman,” he wrote. “I have never had a sexual relationship with an underaged woman.”
Odymel also addressed the controversy in a statement shared via Instagram, referencing an incident he attributed to sexsomnia — a rare sleep-related condition involving unconscious sexual behavior. While expressing remorse, he sought to distinguish his experience from what he described as patterns of deliberate misconduct by others.
CARV acknowledged engaging in extramarital relationships and sending explicit messages and images to women he met online but denied any criminal wrongdoing. He has since canceled all scheduled performances and announced the end of the CARV project altogether. At the time of reporting, Basswell had not issued a public statement.
Beyond individual cases, the controversy has sparked a broader conversation about accountability, safety, and power dynamics within the hard techno scene — a genre that has seen explosive global growth over the past several years.
Among the most prominent voices addressing the issue is Belgian techno artist Amelie Lens, who shared a powerful statement highlighting long-standing safety concerns for women in the industry.
“We are tired,” Lens wrote. “The dancefloor is our home and the backstage is our workplace, but neither feels safe for us. Safety has been treated as a ‘women’s problem’ for far too long.”
She emphasized that the issue is not about blaming men as a whole, but about confronting a culture of silence and complicity. “What sustains the problem is silence, minimization, and protecting reputations before protecting people,” she added.
Hard techno producer Sara Landry, who has previously collaborated with Shlømo, also issued a statement addressing the situation. Landry stressed that she had no prior knowledge of the allegations and reaffirmed her commitment to creating safe spaces within the scene.
“I strongly and unequivocally condemn any and all forms of abuse, assault, and predatory behavior,” she wrote. “My fans mean the world to me, and I want every single one of you to feel safe in every space we exist together.”
As festivals, agencies, and artists continue to respond, the unfolding events mark a critical moment for the hard techno community. While investigations and statements are ongoing, the situation has already triggered a wider reckoning — one that extends beyond individual allegations and toward deeper structural issues surrounding accountability, consent, and responsibility within electronic music culture.
For a scene often defined by unity, freedom, and collective release, the coming weeks may prove pivotal in determining how those values are upheld in practice.