Detroit techno pioneer Derrick May has responded to allegations made on social media by Michael James that accuse the DJ/producer of decades-long behavior of sexual misconduct and rape.
In a statement posted on Facebook by May’s attorney, Kyle J. Dupuy, the lawyer strongly denies any wrongdoing on the part of his client.
“These statements are patently false, libelous, and calculated to ruin Derrick May’s professional career. Derrick May does not and has not ever used drugs, nor would he ever have unwanted sexual relations with anyone.”
The statement (which can be read in its entirety below) goes on to accuse James — who has a co-writing credit on the 1987 Detroit techno classic “Strings of Life” by Rhythim Is Rhythim — of having an alternative agenda, asserting that he is “motivated by a spat over royalties that he feels he is owed for Derrick May’s Strings of Life track. Rather than discuss the matter like an adult, Mr. James has resorted to character assassination.”
James is standing by his accusations. After May’s statement was posted, James took to Facebook to counter: “File the papers, Kyle. See you in court!”
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
It has come to our attention that a former Detroiter named Michael James has been making deeply…
Posted by Derrick May on Wednesday, September 16, 2020
May has been dropped from dropped as a guest speaker at the 2020 Paris Electronic Week taking place on September 24-25.
En ce sens, et suite aux récentes accusations d’agressions sexuelles ciblant le DJ et artiste Derrick May qui devait intervenir dans le cadre de notre événement, nous avons pris la décision d’annuler sa présence en attendant un éclaircissement de la situation.
— Paris Electronic Week (@PEW_France) September 14, 2020
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