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Deborah De Luca Speaks Out Against Sexism in Electronic Music and Receives Support from Nelly Furtado
After 18 years of career, the Italian DJ denounces sexism in the electronic scene and gains support from colleagues and international stars
In 2025, one would expect that sexism in the music industry would be a thing of the past. Yet, as Deborah De Luca revealed in a recent heartfelt post, gender-based double standards remain deeply ingrained in electronic music culture.
The Italian DJ and producer pointed out how men can perform shirtless without criticism, while women who choose to wear feminine or revealing outfits are frequently attacked for their so-called “lack of professionalism.”
Deborah’s Statement
"Men who go shirtless during their sets are fine, but a woman who doesn’t wear a t-shirt but dares to wear something more low-cut or feminine, and then comments about their NON-professionalism rain down.
Fake DJ... USB DJ (as if men played the harpsichord and not with USB sticks) are you a model or a DJ? or even are you a dancer or a DJ? and even OnlyFans DJ.
Sometimes the comments come from women themselves, of course, and it’s so sad.
In 2025 and after 18 years of career I have yet to see these things about myself and many of my female colleagues who like to be feminine. None of these comments ever appear on the profiles of men who go shirtless during their sets, why?
Does what we wear indicate how professional we are? For real? I find all this misogynist and sexist in an embarrassing way.
Welcome to the 1800s."
De Luca highlighted the misogyny and sexism embedded in such comments, stressing the double standards that never seem to apply to male DJs.
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Support From the Industry and Beyond
Her post resonated widely across the electronic music community. Charlotte de Witte thanked De Luca for speaking out “for herself, for me, and many others out there.” Ukrainian DJ Korolova also showed support, commenting “Agreed with you, you look perfect.”
Perhaps the most notable voice of encouragement came from global pop star Nelly Furtado, who wrote:
“Keep doing you Bella and pray for the haters always.”
This powerful show of solidarity highlights how the conversation around sexism in music extends beyond the electronic scene and into the broader entertainment world.
Deborah De Luca: From Naples to Global Techno Icon
No accurate depiction of electronic music culture would be complete without special mention of Deborah De Luca. Widely regarded as one of the leading figures of global Techno, she is known for her electrifying sets that blend hard techno with minimal grooves and melodic soundscapes.
Born under the shadow of the infamous Vele di Scampia — one of the toughest districts in Naples — De Luca came from humble beginnings and forged her path to international success against unlikely odds. Reflecting on her journey, she once shared:
“You shouldn’t let anybody tell you what you can or can’t become. It’s true, in recent years I have gained popularity, but I am very grateful for the long journey it’s taken.”
After a brief stint in fashion school in Modena, she pursued music full-time, working her way through the European club circuit. In 2013, she launched her own label, Sola_mente Records, as a platform for her own productions, free from external pressures.
In 2018, she celebrated a decade-long career with her debut album Ten, a critically acclaimed milestone that solidified her place in the industry.
Today, often dubbed the “Queen of Naples,” Deborah performs across continents, from massive festivals to intimate clubs, and has amassed a following of nearly 950,000 fans online. Her audience spans major cities, with over 26,000 monthly listeners in Mexico City, 23,000 in Berlin, 20,000 in Hamburg, 18,000 in Frankfurt, and 17,000 in Milan.
Breaking Barriers for Women in Electronic Music
Deborah’s recent statement serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges women face in the music industry. Yet, the overwhelming support she received from peers and artists like Nelly Furtado proves that the conversation is shifting.
The message is clear: talent, dedication, and passion—not appearance—define professionalism in music.