Lawsuit filed against DJ Diplo aka Pentz for distributing revenge porn, arrest warrant issued

DJ Deplo

Thomas Wesley Pentz, globally known as DJ Diplo, is facing serious allegations once again. A new lawsuit filed on Thursday has accused Diplo of distributing revenge porn, marking the second lawsuit of this nature against him in recent years. The woman, identified only as Jane Doe, claims that Diplo shared intimate recordings without her consent, adding a disturbing chapter to the renowned DJ and producer's career.

 The Allegations

According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe began chatting with Pentz on Snapchat in April 2016 when she was 21 years old. The relationship reportedly escalated to sharing pornographic images over several months. They later engaged in a sexual relationship until October 2023. The lawsuit asserts that Doe ended the relationship upon discovering that Pentz had been sharing images and videos of their sexual encounters without her knowledge or permission.

Doe alleges that another woman contacted her in November 2023, informing her that she possessed explicit pictures of Doe and Pentz having sex. The woman claimed Pentz had sent these photos and videos via Snapchat in October 2018. This revelation prompted Doe to file the lawsuit, accusing Pentz of a severe breach of trust and privacy.

 A Pattern of Behavior

This is not the first time Diplo has faced such accusations. In 2020, Shelly Auguste accused him of sexually assaulting her, recording their sexual activity without her consent, and distributing revenge porn. Although Diplo denied these allegations and even obtained a $1.2 million award against Auguste for violating a mutual restraining order, the shadow of these accusations continues to haunt him.

Diplo's attorney, Helene Weiss, made a statement regarding the new lawsuit: "Tragically, this is not the first time the defendant has shamed and violated a woman by disseminating intimate images without her consent." The statement underscores a pattern of alleged misconduct that has repeatedly placed Diplo in legal and moral scrutiny.

 Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction

Doe reported Pentz to the New York Police Department on November 7, leading to an arrest warrant being issued for Diplo. The lawsuit, filed in California, seeks damages from Pentz for violating revenge porn statutes. It also highlights the ongoing harm and distress caused to Doe and other women allegedly affected by Pentz's actions.

The public reaction has been swift and mixed. While some fans and supporters of Diplo defend him, citing his achievements and contributions to the music industry, others express outrage and disappointment, calling for accountability and justice for the victims.

Previous Lawsuits and Public Statements

The lawsuit's claims echo previous allegations against Diplo. In October 2020, Shelly Auguste alleged that Pentz had sexually assaulted her and shared intimate recordings without her consent. The subsequent legal battles saw Diplo denying these allegations publicly, even labeling Auguste as a "stalker" who had manipulated her way into his life.

Despite the legal outcomes in favor of Diplo in the past, these recurring accusations paint a troubling picture. Auguste's attorney, Bryan Freedman, told Pitchfork in December 2023, "For more than three years, Shelly Auguste has been orchestrating an ongoing smear campaign against Wes—and this is just more of the same."

 Diplo's Career and Reputation

Diplo, known for his significant contributions to the music industry, especially in the 2000s, has built a reputation for being a prominent figure at nearly every A-list event and red carpet. However, the string of sexual misconduct allegations and lawsuits has tainted his public image.

Starting in late 2020, the allegations against him began to surface more frequently, with cases of sexual misconduct making headlines.