Big Brother's theme tune to be axed as DJ faces sexual harassment allegations

17 June 2023 , 18:23

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Paul Oakenfold has been accused by one of his former assistants of sexual harassment (Image: Getty Images for Museum of Graffiti)

Big Brother chiefs may scrap the show’s classic theme tune after DJ Paul Oakenfold was accused of sexual harassment.

The Elementfour track – written by Mr Oakenfold and Andy Gray – has been played on the reality series since it began in 2000.

But the tune is set to be axed if the British DJ loses a lawsuit brought by a former assistant, named in court papers as Jane Roe.

The 24-year-old filed a sexual harassment claim in the Los Angeles Superior Court earlier this month.

Ms Roe, who worked at the DJ’s home for £15.80 an hour, alleges that Mr Oakenfold, 59, performed a sex act in front of her on her first day in October 2022 and on three subsequent occasions.

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She also alleges that the DJ performed a sex act in her car and she “froze in fear and shock while being in such close proximity to Oakenfold”.

Ms Roe said she reported the incident to Mr Oakenfold’s management team in November 2022.

The lawsuit states that she eventually signed a non-disclosure agreement “under duress” and returned to work for the management company but not with Mr Oakenfold. The music producer denies Ms Roe’s claims and has described them as “baseless”.

Calvin Harris is in contention to record the replacement track (Getty Images for Coachella)

In a statement, he said: “I categorically deny any and all claims of improper conduct. Respect, integrity and consent are values I hold dear, and I have always treated everyone with the utmost professionalism.

“It is disheartening to see these baseless accusations, which appear to be nothing more than a calculated attempt to tarnish my reputation and extort money.”

"Big Brother and ITV have been shocked by the claims made against Paul and are waiting to see how the lawsuit develops," a source said.

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“Other superstar DJs such as Calvin Harris or Joel Corry are being scoped out and could be in the running to record the replacement.

“There had been plans to re-release Elementfour to coincide with the relaunch of Big Brother later this year, but they’ve been shelved for now.”

Big Brother is set to relaunch on ITV2 and ITVX later this year with a fresh cast of housemates taking up residence in a camera-packed house for up to six weeks.

TV presenters AJ Odudu and Will Best are due to host the new version of the show.

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