ADE severs ties with promoters over "insensitive" Shlømo booking
The French artist, who has been accused of rape and sexual misconduct, was due to perform at an event hosted by Komplott and Overgave during the music summit next month Continue reading...
Content Warning: This article includes accounts of sexual assault and may be distressing for some readers. Find links to support at the end of this article.
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) has severed ties with two promoters after they booked techno DJ Shlømo for an event, just months after he faced a criminal complaint alleging "acts of rape, psychological violence and death threats".
The Dutch festival made a statement on Sunday, September 13, confirming that it had "revoked all official ADE affiliation" with promoters Komplott and Overgave.
Komplott and Overgave planned to host an ADE-affiliated event at Eastern Docklands nightclub Panama on Wednesday, October 21, with Shlømo on the bill.
"ADE has determined that the stance adopted by the event's organisers conflicts directly with ADE's values, and is inherently insensitive to our role and mission of nurturing the electronic music scene, nightlife, and its communities," ADE said in a statement.
While the event will still be able to go ahead, all affiliation with ADE is now severed, the festival confirmed. It said that while ADE is a "decentralised festival" where programming is decided by organisers, its partners are "expected to align" with its standards.
ADE said that the promoters’ response to backlash over the booking did not align with the festival’s standards, and that it "conflicts directly with ADE's values".
In February, a series of allegations were made against Shlømo and several other hard techno DJs , later resulting in a criminal complaint of rape and "rape, psychological violence and death threats" against the French artist.
The complaint, per campaign group METOODJS , reportedly asked for the "alleged facts to be examined by the competent authorities". It did not constitute an official charge or investigation.
Shlømo denied all allegations made against him, calling them "slanderous" and saying in an Instagram story: "I can’t wait for the legal process to accelerate in order to expose the truth ASAP."
AFEM sponsor a confidential support service for anyone affected by sexual harassment within the Electronic Music Industry.
Health Assured provide the service to ensure confidential expert counselling and a safe and supportive environment for anyone who has been affected and needs guidance and support. Call 0800 030 5182, (Outside the UK: +44 800 030 5182) where trained experts will listen and support.
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