OPINION 🏳️‍🌈 Why Diplo shouldn’t be performing at WeHo Pride

The essence of WeHo Pride lies in its celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the unwavering support for every individual’s right to feel safe and respected. It is in this spirit that I address the concerning decision to feature Thomas Pentz, popularly known as Diplo, in this year’s festivities—a decision that, regrettably, seems misaligned with the values WeHo Pride purports to champion.

Diplo’s inclusion is overshadowed by a series of grave accusations that paint a troubling picture of the artist’s interactions with women over the years, commonly involves young Black and brown women, and sometimes young women who are under the age of consent. From 2003 to 2008, Diplo dated British-born rapper M.I.A. who is of Sri Lankan descent. In 2017, M.I.A. accused the DJ of mental abuse. In October 2020, rapper Azealia Banks spoke out about her experiences, stating on her podcast, “I used to have sex with Diplo when I was 17 (Diplo was in his 30s)… He has always been preying on young ethnic girls.”

This statement is part of a wider pattern of accusations against Diplo, including those from Shelly Auguste, who, in July 2019, accused him of rape, grooming, and engaging in intimidating behaviors to dissuade her from coming forward after she claimed Diplo forcibly held her down and raped her in a Las Vegas hotel room after a performance. Additionally, in 2021, a fourth woman came forward, claiming she was raped by Diplo in 2019 after a Las Vegas performance.

These serious allegations have led to restraining orders and numerous criminal investigations, underscoring the severity and credibility of the claims made against him.

My commitment to advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, informed by over ten years as a human trafficking survivor advocate, published policy researcher and former steering committee member of #MeToo LA, compels me to speak out against this decision. I am also a survivor of sexual abuse and underage grooming by a famous fashion designer here in LA. When I finally shared my experience as an adult, the harms done to me were minimized by many so-called “friends” influenced by my abuser’s prominence in the art scene I was enmeshed in. This double trauma has influenced my work as a survivor advocate ever since, and echoes the broader issue of societal indifference to sexual misconduct when weighed against celebrity, social status, and financial gain.

Over the years, WeHo has earned a reputation for harboring powerful sexual predators like Ed Buck and alleged serial child sexual abuser Bryan Singer, along with the unsettling allegations of sexual harassment against former City Councilmembers such as John Duran—not to mention the persistent rumors of gross acts involving minors surrounding a current councilmember that continue to go uninvestigated.

The choice to platform an artist like Diplo at an event as symbolic as Pride is not merely about entertainment; it’s a reflection of our collective values and the standards we are willing to uphold.

In light of these considerations, I urge a reevaluation of Diplo’s participation in WeHo Pride. This is not a call for punitive action without due process but a plea for introspection on the part of our community leaders and event organizers. It’s about ensuring that our celebrations do not inadvertently undermine the principles of safety, respect, and justice that Pride stands for.

Let this moment be an opportunity for WeHo to lead by example, to demonstrate that our commitment to the well-being and dignity of all community members transcends the allure of celebrity and spectacle. By doing so, we affirm that WeHo Pride remains a beacon of hope, inclusion, and unwavering support for survivors and the values we hold dear.