Label cuts ties with DJ following backlash over online comments on young artist’s posts

Case involving DJ Gabi prompts response from Toolroom Records and receives widespread support across the electronic music community

A prominent electronic music label has confirmed it will no longer work with a DJ following public backlash over online comments made on social media posts by a young artist. The situation has sparked broader discussion around behaviour, power dynamics and accountability within the electronic music scene.

The case came to light after DJ Gabi shared a public statement describing repeated comments left on her viral posts by an adult and established producer and DJ, Marco Melissen. According to the artist, the comments, which consisted of laughing and crying emojis, were posted multiple times and were perceived as intentional public mockery.

Public statement and reaction online

In her post, DJ Gabi addressed the challenges she has faced growing up in the industry, stating that a significant portion of the negativity she receives comes from adult men within the electronic music scene. She also reflected on the pressure that can accompany rapid visibility and success at a young age.

Although the artist is under 18, the statement was shared with the support of her parents. Shortly after being published, the post gained significant traction, generating an outpouring of support across social media platforms.

Artists, producers, managers and industry professionals publicly voiced solidarity with DJ Gabi, sending messages of encouragement and condemning behaviour they described as dismissive or disrespectful. Many highlighted the importance of care, responsibility and professionalism when interacting publicly with young artists.

Label response and industry reaction

The situation escalated further when Toolroom Records issued a public response. In a statement shared online, the label said it does not condone disrespectful behaviour and confirmed it would no longer be working with Marco Melissen moving forward.

The announcement was widely shared and received strong support from the electronic music community. For many observers, the response was seen as a clear stance on professional conduct and accountability, reflecting the growing expectation for labels and brands to address the public behaviour of artists associated with them.

Following Toolroom’s statement, additional managers, artists and industry representatives echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing their support for DJ Gabi and underlining the need for respectful engagement within the scene.

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A wider conversation in electronic music

While the incident originated from social media interactions, it has since evolved into a broader conversation about power imbalances, symbolic behaviour and the impact of public commentary in the music industry.

In recent years, electronic music culture has increasingly scrutinised practices that were once normalised, particularly regarding how established figures engage with emerging and younger artists. The case has been cited by many as an example of how online actions can carry professional and reputational consequences.

A reflection of changing expectations

The response from Toolroom Records reflects a wider shift in how the electronic music industry navigates controversy and conflict. As digital presence becomes inseparable from an artist’s career, public interactions are increasingly understood as extensions of professional conduct.

The overwhelming support shown for DJ Gabi highlights a collective desire within the scene to foster a more respectful and responsible environment, particularly for young artists navigating an industry defined by visibility, competition and influence.