By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – Paris, the landscape of the global electronic music industry is undergoing a profound structural shift as METOODJS, a collective born out of the necessity for accountability and survivor support, officially transitions into a recognized non-profit organization in France. This formalization marks a pivotal moment in the industry’s ongoing "Me Too" movement, moving from a decentralized digital outcry toward a structured, legally backed institution designed to provide long-term protection for those navigating the often-opaque world of nightlife and dance music. To sustain this momentum and provide essential services to those in need, the organization has launched an ambitious fundraising campaign aimed at securing the financial resources required to fight for justice and healing within the community.
The origins of METOODJS can be traced back to February of this year, a month that served as a catalyst for a long-overdue conversation regarding the safety and ethics of the hard techno subgenre. Following a series of public allegations involving sexual misconduct and assault against several prominent European hard techno figures—including Shlømo, Carv, Basswell, and Odymel—the electronic music world found itself at a crossroads. As promoters and festivals began the immediate process of removing these artists from their lineups, a vacuum appeared: while the industry was reacting to the headlines, there was no centralized infrastructure to support the victims who had come forward. METOODJS emerged to fill that void, initially operating as an informal network of volunteers, industry professionals, and survivors dedicated to listening and providing guidance.
In the months since its inception, the scale of the crisis has become undeniably clear. METOODJS has documented and processed more than 300 testimonies from individuals across the electronic music spectrum. These accounts range from workplace harassment and predatory behavior to serious allegations of physical assault. The sheer volume of these reports underscores a systemic issue within the clubbing and festival circuit—a culture where power imbalances, late-night environments, and a lack of formal human resources departments have historically allowed predatory behavior to go unchecked. By collecting these stories, the organization has not only provided a sense of community for survivors but has also built a database that highlights the recurring patterns of abuse that plague the scene.
Transitioning into a formal non-profit (Association Loi 1901) in France allows METOODJS to operate with greater transparency and legal weight. However, the move toward institutionalization requires significant capital. The newly launched GoFundMe campaign seeks to raise €75,000, a figure that reflects the high costs of the multifaceted support the organization provides. Within the first week of the campaign, the community has already shown strong support, contributing over €7,000. Yet, the road to the final goal remains long, and the organization is calling upon the wider electronic music community—fans, promoters, labels, and fellow artists—to help bridge the gap.
The allocation of these funds is focused on several critical pillars: legal aid, mental health support, education, and immediate crisis intervention. Perhaps the most daunting barrier for victims seeking justice is the financial burden of legal proceedings. In many cases, those accused of misconduct possess significant financial resources and high-profile legal representation, while survivors may face the threat of defamation lawsuits or the prohibitive costs of filing criminal charges. METOODJS aims to level this playing field by funding legal consultations and helping victims navigate the complexities of the justice system. The organization has already successfully referred several cases to legal professionals, with many victims currently exploring potential legal actions against their abusers.
Beyond the courtroom, the psychological toll of trauma requires specialized care. The electronic music industry, with its high-pressure environment and often-unstable working conditions, can be a difficult place for survivors to find peace. METOODJS has established a network of therapists who are sensitive to the unique dynamics of the music world. The funds raised will ensure that access to this psychological support is not determined by a victim’s bank account. For many, the ability to speak with a professional who understands the specific context of the "DJ lifestyle" or the power structures of the nightlife industry is a vital step toward recovery.
Education and preventative measures form the third pillar of the METOODJS mission. The organization intends to use a portion of the funds to develop and host workshops focused on consent, boundaries, and bystander intervention. These programs are designed for event organizers, venue staff, and artists alike, with the goal of fostering a culture where abuse is not only punished after the fact but actively prevented. By establishing clear community guidelines and safety protocols, METOODJS hopes to create a blueprint for "safe spaces" that can be implemented at clubs and festivals worldwide. This proactive approach aims to shift the industry from a reactive stance to one of ingrained safety and mutual respect.
The fundraising campaign also addresses the urgent, often overlooked costs associated with fleeing or reporting abuse. In a press release, METOODJS noted that funds would be used to reimburse team members who have fronted money for urgent survivor needs, which can include emergency travel, temporary housing, or immediate medical expenses. In a scene where many workers are freelance or part-time, a sudden crisis can lead to financial ruin; having a safety net provided by the community can be the difference between a survivor being able to speak out or being forced into silence by economic necessity.
The ripple effects of the allegations in February continue to be felt throughout the hard techno scene and beyond. The removal of artists like Shlømo and others from major event posters was a significant moment of industry-wide solidarity, but METOODJS argues that de-platforming is only the first step. For true change to occur, the structures that allowed such behavior to persist must be dismantled. This involves a fundamental reevaluation of how "stardom" is handled in electronic music and the implementation of accountability measures that extend beyond a single news cycle.
The challenges ahead are significant. The electronic music industry is global, and laws regarding sexual misconduct and harassment vary wildly from one jurisdiction to another. As a French-based non-profit, METOODJS is currently navigating the specificities of European law, but its influence is being felt globally as victims from various countries reach out for guidance. The organization’s success could serve as a model for similar collectives in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Berlin, creating a transnational network of protection for those in the creative arts.
As the GoFundMe campaign continues, the organizers emphasize that the movement is about more than just money; it is about a collective commitment to a safer future. The electronic music scene was founded on principles of inclusivity, freedom, and "Peace, Love, Unity, Respect" (PLUR). METOODJS believes that by confronting the dark reality of abuse within the community, the scene can finally live up to those founding ideals. The transition from an informal support group to a non-profit is a testament to the resilience of survivors and the dedication of those who refuse to let the industry return to a "business as usual" approach.
For those looking to support the cause, the GoFundMe page remains the primary portal for donations. The organization is also encouraging individuals with relevant skills—such as legal experts, mental health professionals, and administrative specialists—to offer their expertise. As the fundraiser moves toward its €75,000 target, the message from METOODJS is clear: the era of silence is over, and the era of organized, well-resourced support has begun. The electronic music community now has the opportunity to invest in its own safety and integrity, ensuring that the dance floor remains a place of liberation rather than a site of harm.