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DJ Paul Oakenfold has refuted allegations from his former personal assistant that he masturbated repeatedly in front of her, and that his management company fired her when she complained.
In a statement to Insider Monday, the Grammy-nominated artist called Jane Roe's harassment and wrongful termination civil lawsuit against him and his management companies an attempt to shake him down and ruin his reputation.
"Let me be absolutely clear: I categorically deny any and all claims of improper conduct," Oakenfold said in a statement to Insider. "Respect, integrity, and consent are values I hold dear, and I have always treated everyone with the utmost professionalism. It is disheartening to see these baseless accusations, which appear to be nothing more than a calculated attempt to tarnish my reputation and extort money."
A woman identified in court papers as Jane Roe sued Oakenfold and the companies that managed him, Paul Stepanek Management and New Frequency Management, accusing them of turning a blind eye to Oakenfold repeatedly masturbating in full view of her and then terminating her when she complained about the alleged abuse, according to court papers obtained by Insider.
Roe contends the sexual harassment began on her first day of working with Oakenfold, 59, who has remixed songs for the likes of U2, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, and the Rolling Stones.
Roe said she was 23 when Paul Stepanek Management hired her last October to be Oakenfold's personal assistant for $20 an hour. She alleges that Oakenfold's alleged sexual harassment began on the very first day of work.
"On four separate occasions, each on different dates, where Oakenfold had plaintiff alone at his house, Oakenfold touched his genitals and then masturbated in front of plaintiff when Oakenfold was aware plaintiff could not escape," Roe's complaint states. "In each instance of masturbation, as described herein, Oakenfold stimulated his genitals with his hand, in close proximity to the plaintiff, for plaintiff to see."
Roe alleged that Oakenfold escalated the behavior, masturbating in her presence for longer periods of time.
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In one instance, in November 2022, Oakenfold masturbated in front of the woman four times during the course of the workday, the complaint alleged. And in another instance, Oakenfold "surprised" Roe by "opening his legs wide" and masturbating in the passenger seat of her car as she drove him home from the post office.
"Plaintiff froze in fear and shock while being in such close proximity to Oakenfold," the court papers state.
Roe said in her complaint that when she reported Oakenfold's alleged behavior to Stepanek, he responded by pressuring her to sign a non-disclosure agreement. When she hesitated, Roe alleged that Stepanek wouldn't let her go back to work until she signed it, which she eventually did "under duress," the complaint states. Insider has contacted Stepanek, Paul Stepanek Management, and New Frequency Management for comment.
However, Oakenfold contends the entire lawsuit is built on falsehoods and is exploring his options to defend himself, including litigation.
"I am committed to fully cooperating with any investigations to clear my name and will exhaust all legal remedies available, including the option to countersue, to protect my reputation and seek justice," Oakenfold said in a statement. "Thank you for your unwavering support and understanding during this challenging time."
