Shlømo, CARV, Basswell Dropped from Festivals: Hard Techno's Biggest Names Out Amid Sexual Misconduct Claims

Several prominent hard techno DJs, including Shlømo, CARV and Basswell, have been removed from a string of festival line-ups following serious allegations of sexual misconduct. The cancellations, announced by multiple promoters in the past week, have sent ripples through the electronic music community.

The claims, which include accusations of harassment, grooming and assault, first surfaced on social media in late February. As of 2 March 2026, events such as Verknipt, Open Beatz and Airbeat One have confirmed the artists will no longer perform, marking what many are calling hard techno's #MeToo moment.

Allegations Surface via Former Agency Insider

The allegations were brought to light by an Instagram user identifying as a former agent at Steer Management, the Paris-based booking agency that had represented several of the DJs. The post from the account @bradnolimit included posts detailing inappropriate behaviour.

Accusations against Shlømo involve claims of grooming and non-consensual acts, while CARV has faced reports of physical and sexual misconduct during tours. Basswell and others including Odymel and Fantasm have also been named.

The company responded by suspending its working relationships with Shlømo, Basswell and CARV. The situation has sparked intense debate online and in the techno scene about the culture that may have allowed such issues to persist unchecked. Coverage by international media, including Euronews and DJ Mag, has helped bring the story to a wider audience. The revelations have prompted a broader conversation about power dynamics and safety at events.

Promoters Act to Remove Artists

Promoters have responded decisively to the mounting claims. Verknipt said that Shlømo, Basswell and CARV will no longer perform at its upcoming shows. Popular event brands including Verknipt, World Club Dome and Airbeat One have confirmed that Shlømo, CARV, Basswell and Odymel would no longer appear at forthcoming shows. Germany's Open Beatz Festival removed Shlømo and Basswell from its bill.

Further cancellations have included Teletech, Doof Music events as well as Australian promoter Pitch Music & Arts pulling Odymel from its lineup, and clubs in Berlin and São Paulo cancelling Basswell appearances. Indian promoter Subvolt scrapped a Mumbai show for Shlømo.

These decisions come amid calls from within the industry for better safeguards at events. An Instagram post by DJ Mag noted the situation has ignited widespread outcry across the techno scene.

Artists Issue Statements

The accused artists have offered differing responses. Shlømo has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as a "sustained defamation and harassment campaign" and insisting he has never committed sexual abuse against a woman. He has indicated he may pursue legal recourse.

CARV has acknowledged sending explicit images and messages but stressed 'there was no non-consensual behaviour and no criminal wrongdoing', adding that while his actions were not right, they were not illegal. Basswell is yet to issue a public comment. CARV has since cancelled all performances and announced the end of the CARV project.

As the hard techno DJs dropped from festivals remain off line-ups for the foreseeable future, the broader implications for the genre are still emerging. No criminal charges have been confirmed against any of the artists, and the allegations continue to be investigated in some cases. The episode has already prompted calls for greater transparency and support for those coming forward in the electronic music industry.