This weekend’s Keinemusik show in Paris was overshadowed by an incident that has since gone viral across the electronic music community. Rafael Deprost - a legendary photographer known for his deep, long-standing contribution to the scene - was forcibly removed from the front row by security while documenting the event. The act, widely regarded as heavy-handed and unjustified, was caught on video and has sparked criticism from fans, artists and industry professionals alike.

Who is Rafael Deprost?

Rafael Deprost is a highly respected photographer whose work has helped shape the visual identity of modern electronic music. Represented by Hangar Talent, his portfolio includes a wide spectrum of international artists across genres. He has photographed:

The Weeknd (via XO/Hangar Creates)
Lost Frequencies, Adriatique, Stephan Bodzin, Damso, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike
Clara Luciani, Angèle, J Balvin, Orelsan, Travis Scott, Roméo Elvis

Deprost’s photography is featured regularly at major festivals such as Tomorrowland, Cercle, and Les Ardentes. He is known for emotionally resonant, technically sophisticated images that bridge the energy of live performance with the nuance of behind-the-scenes access. His collaboration with multidisciplinary artist Anyma for The End of Genesys project further underlines his capacity to interpret and elevate an artist’s vision through photography.

Far more than just documentation, Deprost’s work builds the cultural archive of electronic music, offering the scene a narrative of its evolution, its emotion, and its key moments.

What Happened in Paris?

During Keinemusik’s Paris performance, Deprost was working with full accreditation when he was suddenly approached and forcibly removed from the front of the stage by security. Eyewitnesses and viral video footage confirm there was no warning, no attempt at identification, and no clear reason for the escalation.

The footage shows a level of physicality that many in the community have described as excessive. For an artist with Deprost’s reputation and credentials to be treated this way reflects a breakdown in basic event management protocol - particularly when media contributors are central to how shows are shared and remembered.

🔑 Key Takeouts for Event Organisers and Brands

Respect Accredited Media: Photographers like Deprost are not bystanders. They are collaborators in building a brand’s reach, cultural value and long-term memory.
Implement Clear Accreditation Protocols: Ensure that access badges, wristbands or passes are standardised, visible and understood by all staff on duty.
Mandatory Security Briefings: Every member of the security team should be informed of who is accredited, what zones they have access to, and what respectful protocol looks like.
Zero Tolerance for Aggression: Physical removal should never be a first resort. Dialogue, clarification, and escalation paths must be baked into every event’s operating model.
Public Accountability Matters: Events gain nothing by ignoring these incidents. Acknowledge mistakes, offer transparency, and take steps to ensure they don’t happen again.

Rafael Deprost has spent years amplifying the cultural story of music through his lens. What happened at Keinemusik Paris was a failure to protect someone who has consistently contributed to the scene’s growth. For an industry built on collaboration, creativity and mutual respect, the lesson is simple: the culture isn’t just on stage - it’s behind the lens too.