Famed DJ and Swordfish soundtrack composer Paul Oakenfold is facing a sexual harassment lawsuit from a former personal assistant identified only as Jane Roe. The 24-year-old woman filed the lawsuit in LA Superior Court on Friday, accusing Oakenfold, his companies New Frequency Management and Stepanek Management, CEO Paul Stepanek, John Does of violating her employment rights.
The Allegations
Jane Roe claims that shortly after starting her job as Oakenfold’s personal assistant in October 2022, the Grammy-nominated DJ repeatedly exposed himself and masturbated in front of her on four separate dates. On one day in November 2022, Oakenfold allegedly did so four times in a single day. The plaintiff also alleges that Oakenfold once performed the act in her vehicle.
Response from Management
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff reported the incident to management and was presented with a nondisclosure agreement. When she refused to sign, she was allegedly prevented from returning to work and threatened with firing. The filing from Beverly Hills firm Blackstone Law APC claims that Jane Roe eventually signed the NDA “under duress” and was allowed to return to work without being assigned to Oakenfold. However, her hours were reduced and she was eventually laid off in March 2023 due to “a lack of work.”
The Lawsuit
The five-claim complaint seeks damages in excess of $25,000 and accuses Oakenfold and his companies of sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and violation of various employment laws. The plaintiff’s lawyers argue that the defendants created a hostile work environment, failed to prevent sexual harassment, and retaliated against the plaintiff for reporting the misconduct.
Response from Oakenfold
This lawsuit is the latest in a series of sexual harassment allegations against high-profile figures in the entertainment industry, highlighting the need for better workplace policies and prevention of sexual misconduct.
