The Maestro strikes back
International DJ and producer Carmine Conte, known as MRAK, has filed legal complaints against several women for alleged false accusations and attempted extortion. His lawyer, Michele Morenghi, claims the case stems from envy and online scams targeting celebrities. Despite the low rate of false reports globally, such claims can seriously damage reputations. Meanwhile, Conte continues his acclaimed solo career, blending emotional soundscapes that define the melodic techno scene.
“I’m a victim of envy”
Carmine Conte, aka MRAK, is an internationally recognized Italian talent and a standout figure on the global electronic music scene. He has filed complaints with the judicial authorities against several women for the crimes of false accusation and attempted extortion. The individuals reported, using false identities, allegedly leaked online false and completely unfounded claims of sexual abuse they said they had suffered at the hands of the DJ.
Defense attorney Michele Morenghi, commenting on the legal action he is handling, said: “Envy of the famous person - his wealth and professional esteem recognized worldwide - makes him an easy target for women of loose morals who think they can get away with it behind the anonymity of the internet. Unfortunately for them, in this case, the free ride is over.”
Attorney Morenghi continues: “Unfortunately, it’s now an established fact that ‘romance’ scams exist, typically online: fake profiles (women who lure men) ask for money with emergency stories, threatening revelations and inventing relationships; in extreme cases they include threats to disclose relationships purely for extortion purposes. The world of show business is packed with women who claim they suffered unspeakable abuse, and history shows it with high-profile cases: Dominique Strauss-Kahn (DSK) in 2011, former head of the International Monetary Fund, Johnny Depp, Kevin Spacey, Brian Banks, Lee Jin-wook - all falsely accused.”
Mrak’s music blends deep melodies and immersive atmospheres. He works in the duo Tale Of Us with Matteo Milleri, with whom he revolutionized melodic techno. The two artists released albums such as Endless (2017) on Deutsche Grammophon and seminal EPs on Afterlife Records, their Berlin-based label.
Since around 2021, Mrak has pursued a more intimate and experimental solo path. Tracks such as “The World Is Yours,” “Speranza,” and “Manifesto” have topped Beatport charts, with releases on Afterlife such as The Pledge (2023) and The Turn (2024).
Conte’s skill lies in creating emotional soundscapes, with hypnotic riffs and ethereal vocals, perfect for festival sets. He currently lives abroad, where he continues to influence the global techno scene, and he has instructed his defense attorney, Michele Morenghi - whose law firm is based in Milan and Madrid - to pursue criminal proceedings.
“Many women,” the lawyer adds, “make up absurd accusations for the most varied reasons: to get a sliver of public notoriety, or to make easy money by blackmailing famous people while claiming nonexistent relationships - two or three photos on Instagram profiles with famous figures, and they present themselves as their girlfriends.”
Research indicates that the percentage of false reports for sexual offenses is generally low, estimated between 2% and 10% according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. However, when such allegations target well-known people, the reputational and psychological impact can be devastating, regardless of the outcome in court.
The attorney then explains that Spain is fertile ground for women who cultivate slander and lies against men because foreign women who are victims of domestic abuse or gender-based violence can obtain a temporary residence permit that also allows access to work, including access to financial benefits.
by Eugenia Guida