Allegations of Abuse Lead to Lukas Wigflex’s Withdrawal from Gigs and Festival Role, Sparking Industry-Wide Discussion

Content warning: This article contains information relating to abuse which some readers may find distressing.

Lukas Cole, known professionally as DJ Wigflex, has officially withdrawn from all upcoming scheduled performances and stepped down from his co-organizing position for the inaugural Peep Festival. This significant move comes in the wake of severe allegations of abuse leveled against him by his former wife and long-time business partner, Avarni, detailed in a widely circulated online publication. The unfolding situation has sent ripples through the electronic music community, prompting a broader conversation about accountability, safeguarding, and the often-intertwined personal and professional lives within the creative industries.

The allegations surfaced on Sunday, June 28th, when Avarni published a detailed account entitled "After the Afters" on the online platform Substack. In her extensive narrative, Avarni outlined a decade-long pattern of what she described as "psychological abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, physical abuse, intimidation and threats." These alleged abuses, she stated, occurred during her relationship and subsequent marriage to a prominent DJ and event organizer based in Nottingham. While Avarni deliberately omitted his name in her initial publication, context clues and later public statements quickly confirmed the individual in question to be Lukas Cole. The period of alleged abuse also coincided with their joint operation of a highly regarded club night and festival in Nottingham, a venture that Avarni indicated consumed a significant portion of her life and resources.

A Decade of Allegations and Its Impact

Avarni’s Substack post painted a stark picture of a relationship marked by severe emotional and, at times, physical distress. She described experiencing a "constant stream of criticisms, insults and carefully planted insecurities," leading to feelings of being "disrespected" and "treated badly." A key element of her account highlighted how these behaviors were allegedly intensified by years of substance abuse on his part, resulting in "volatility [that] became extreme and entirely uncontrollable." Avarni characterized her ex-partner’s shifting moods towards her as a "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde reality," where his demeanor could swing dramatically and unpredictably.

Crucially, Avarni detailed how the success and challenges of their shared nightlife business directly influenced the dynamics of their personal relationship. She wrote, "If we lost money or plans had to change, I would either be ignored for days on end or have to suffer in silence while all of his anger and frustration was taken out on me." This environment, she explained, fostered a continuous erosion of boundaries, leaving her feeling helpless and constantly waiting for a return to "normalcy." The profound overlap between their personal, social, and professional lives, she asserted, created an overwhelming strain. "I devoted a decade of my life to building a business that completely overpowered every other element of it," Avarni shared, detailing how her financial investments, time, focus, and even her social circle became inextricably linked to their joint enterprise, ultimately compromising her health.

One particularly harrowing incident recounted in her article involved attending her ex-partner’s father’s wedding, which allegedly "ended in me being thrown around a hotel room for hours on end and then him going awol." These details underscore the gravity of the allegations, pointing to instances of extreme emotional and physical distress.

The Aftermath: Health and Financial Hardship

The long-term repercussions of the alleged abuse on Avarni’s well-being were significant. Following the dissolution of their relationship, she was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and subsequently Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). These diagnoses highlight the profound psychological toll that prolonged abuse, particularly coercive control, can inflict. According to studies, survivors of intimate partner violence, especially those subjected to psychological abuse and coercive control, are at a significantly higher risk of developing complex trauma disorders, which can manifest as difficulties with emotional regulation, identity, and relationships.

Beyond the emotional and psychological trauma, Avarni also detailed severe financial precarity stemming from the relationship. She alleged that she had "already assumed thousands of pounds of debt on his behalf" and was later "issued with a CCJ for rent arrears that he had racked up after I moved out of our shared house." A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order in England and Wales that can be issued against a person who owes money. Its presence on a credit report can severely impact an individual’s ability to obtain loans, mortgages, or even secure rental properties for up to six years, regardless of who incurred the original debt if shared responsibility is implied. Avarni explained, "Because our landlord couldn’t locate him, I was the one left carrying the consequences, with a six-year mark on my credit report and thousands of pounds I’m now court ordered to pay." This illustrates a common tactic in coercive control where financial abuse is used to maintain power and control over a victim, even after the relationship has ended.

Wigflex’s Response and Immediate Consequences

On Wednesday, July 1st, Lukas Cole, under his Wigflex moniker, issued a statement titled "To Avarni" via his Instagram account. In his public address, Cole stated, "I categorically refute any and all allegations of physical abuse in our relationship." However, he did acknowledge the profound impact of his past actions, expressing deep regret and shame. "Reading back on how I have made my ex-partner feel, in both the past and the present, I’m truly embarrassed, disgusted and full of shame with how someone I loved was made to feel those emotions from my actions," he wrote. Cole added, "I wish I had dealt with the stress better, I wish I was kinder, and I recognise the role I played in the creation of this situation." He further stated, "I take full responsibility for the confusion, hurt and frustration I caused."

As a direct consequence of the allegations and his subsequent statement, Cole announced his immediate withdrawal from the electronic music scene. He confirmed that he would be "hanging up the headphones and any forthcoming confirmed gigs will not be taking place." This decision, he stated, was "in order to create space for myself to reflect on my actions, and commit fully to therapy and counselling as I am still processing a lot of what has been said and how my actions have impacted those around me."

The ramifications extended swiftly to his professional engagements. Peep Festival, a new weekend event co-founded by Wigflex and Dr. Banana, issued its own statement shortly after Cole’s, confirming his immediate departure. The festival team announced, "Lukas will be stepping down from Peep with immediate effect," adding, "He will no longer perform at, profit from or be involved in the festival in any capacity." Emphasizing their commitment to safety and respect, the festival team stated, "Safety and respect have sat at the heart of every conversation in the planning of the first edition of our festival, and will always be our top priorities. We are deeply saddened by what we have learned in the last 48 hours and recognise the impact it has had on our community."

Beyond Peep Festival, other scheduled engagements were also canceled. Croatian festival Love International confirmed via an Instagram story that Wigflex, who was slated to perform on July 9th, would no longer be part of their lineup. These swift actions by promoters and organizers underscore the increasing intolerance within the music industry for individuals facing serious abuse allegations, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards greater accountability.

Avarni’s Perspective: The Challenge of Believing Psychological Abuse

On Thursday, July 2nd, Avarni provided a further statement to Resident Advisor, a leading online electronic music publication, offering deeper insight into her motivations for speaking out. She acknowledged the immense difficulty of her decision: "Writing my piece was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. It wasn’t about creating a public spectacle or starting a witch hunt, it came from reaching a point where carrying the weight of what I had experienced privately for so many years was causing me more harm than speaking about it."

Her statement also highlighted a critical societal issue: "One thing this experience has reinforced for me is that there is a social hierarchy when it comes to abuse. Some forms of abuse are more readily recognised, believed and condemned, while psychological abuse often requires victims to justify, explain and prove why what happened to them was harmful before they’re afforded the same compassion or understanding." This observation resonates with expert findings; psychological abuse, including coercive control, often leaves no visible scars, making it harder for victims to prove and for others to understand its devastating impact compared to physical violence. Data from domestic abuse charities consistently shows that while psychological abuse is pervasive, it is often underreported and less understood by the general public and even some legal systems. The UK’s Serious Crime Act 2015 did introduce an offense of "controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship," a significant step in recognizing this form of abuse. However, the societal perception Avarni describes remains a considerable hurdle for survivors seeking validation and justice.

Broader Implications for the Music Industry and Beyond

The allegations against Lukas Cole and his subsequent withdrawal from public life have ignited a crucial dialogue within the electronic music scene, an industry that has faced increasing scrutiny over issues of safety, harassment, and power dynamics in recent years. This incident follows a series of similar revelations across various creative sectors, where individuals in positions of influence have been called to account for their behavior.

The case of Wigflex and Avarni highlights several interconnected issues:

• Accountability of Artists and Promoters: The immediate response from Peep Festival and Love International signals a growing expectation for artists and industry figures to be held accountable for their personal conduct, particularly when allegations of abuse arise. The "cancel culture" debate notwithstanding, there is a clear trend towards prioritizing victim safety and community well-being over an individual’s career.
• Intertwined Personal and Professional Lives: The narrative powerfully illustrates how deeply personal relationships can become enmeshed with professional ventures in creative industries. This overlap can create environments where power imbalances are exacerbated, and victims may feel trapped, fearing that speaking out will not only jeopardize their personal safety but also their livelihood and social standing.
• The Recognition of Non-Physical Abuse: Avarni’s experience and subsequent statement underscore the critical need for greater public and institutional understanding of psychological abuse, coercive control, and financial abuse. These forms of harm can be as, if not more, damaging than physical violence, yet they often go unrecognized or are minimized. Education on the signs and impacts of such abuse is vital.
• Support for Survivors: The incident brings to the forefront the challenges survivors face in healing, seeking justice, and rebuilding their lives, especially when confronted with financial ruin and the invisible scars of trauma like PTSD and CPTSD. Access to specialized support services for trauma and legal aid for financial recovery are critical.

The DJ Mag article’s regret over omitting Avarni as a 50% owner of Wigflex in its 2021 celebration also points to the systemic issues of underrepresentation and lack of recognition for women’s contributions in male-dominated industries, further complicating the narrative of shared business and alleged abuse.

As the electronic music community continues to grapple with these complex issues, this case serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing efforts required to foster safer, more equitable environments for everyone involved, from artists and organizers to attendees and partners. The full Substack post by Avarni and the respective statements from Lukas Cole and Peep Festival remain publicly available for those seeking further details on this developing situation.