Erick Morillo has turned himself in to the Miami-Dade County Police following accusations of sexual battery after a private party in December.
Earlier this summer, a number of sexual misconduct allegations were brought against artists including Space Jesus, Bassnectar, and Billy Kenny, drawing attention to a problem that has plagued the dance music community for far too long. Today, internationally renowned DJ Erick Morillo became the latest to receive accusations and was recently charged with sexual battery.
Back in December, Erick Morillo was booked to play a private party on Star Island with another DJ. After the show, they returned to his home in Miami Beach for drinks with another woman, where the accuser told the police that he “made several advances towards her, some sexual in nature, but she refused all of his attempts.”
According to the arrest report, in her efforts to avoid the situation while intoxicated she then went to a separate guest room to sleep. The next morning, the victim “reported waking up nude on the bed, with Mr. Morillo standing on the side of the bed also nude.”
Erick Morillo denied the accusations but has since turned himself in with his lawyer after a rape kit returned on Wednesday that tested positive for his DNA. This is a developing story.
You are not alone. There are always resources and help available to you if you have experienced sexual assault at a festival, event, nightclub, or anywhere in life.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) runs the National Sexual Assault Hotline to offer support to victims and their families. Their services are free and confidential: 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) (Available 24 hours a day by phone and by online chat.)
Relief After Violent Encounter (RAVE) — this organization can help you find counseling and therapy after a violent encounter.
RAVE also has a domestic and sexual violence Emergency Response Team that is deployed through law enforcement to provide emergency crisis intervention to victims immediately after an assault. Reach out to their Emergency Response Program Coordinator, Lisa Cloman, at 616-527-3351 ext. 231 or lisac@raveim.org.
DJ Mag and the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM) created a support hotline specifically for people to report sexual harassment in the dance music industry. This helpline is staffed by trained experts who will listen and support anyone who calls: (800) 030-5182.
