NYC Ballet chief Peter Martins, 71, takes leave of absence following investigation into anonymous claim of sexual harassment
- Longtime New York City Ballet chief Peter Martins announced he will distance himself away from the company on Thursday
- The probe was launched after the company received an anonymous letter accusing Martins of past sexual harassment
- Another former City Ballet dancer also accused Martins of grabbing and shaking her in 1989
- Claims of sexual harassment, especially in the highly competitive world of professional dance, are exceedingly rare
Longtime New York City Ballet chief Peter Martins announced he will distance himself away from the company on Thursday
Longtime New York City Ballet chief Peter Martins has taken a leave of absence from his post pending an investigation into alleged sexual harassment.
The company confirmed late Thursday that 71-year-old Martins had requested and was granted a temporary leave from both the company and the affiliated School of American Ballet until an independent investigation concluded.
The probe was launched after the company received an anonymous letter accusing Martins of past sexual harassment. City Ballet has said that allegation was not specific.
In addition, The Washington Post reported Thursday that a former City Ballet dancer Kelly Boal accused Martins of grabbing and shaking her in a violent way during a 1989 incident.
The probe was launched after the company received an anonymous letter accusing Martins of past sexual harassment
Another former City Ballet dancer also accused Martins of grabbing and shaking her in 1989
Martins denied that allegation to the Post.
Explaining why he decided to distance himself from the company, Martins explained: 'Because of all the distraction these false claims are creating for New York City Ballet and the School of American Ballet, which I love and to which I have devoted the last 47 years of my life, I am asking the board of directors of both institutions for permission to take a temporary leave of absence until such time as the current independent investigation into these matters has been completed.'
Claims of sexual harassment, especially in the highly competitive world of professional dance, are exceedingly rare, according to The Post.
Careers are short in the field, and with directors having vast authority over hiring in firing, they wield tremendous influence over the careers of industry talent.
Martins, a Danish-born dancer, became a principal dancer at the New York City Ballet in 1970.
In 1981 he became balletmaster while still dancing, though retired in 1983 to take on the position full-time as balletmaster-in-chief alongside Jerome Robbins.
Since 1990 has borne sole responsibility for artistic leadership of City Ballet .
Peter Martins, Artistic Director of the School of American Ballet and Ballet Master in Chief of the New York City Ballet, look over 8-year-old Clare Herzog as she dances
Claims of sexual harassment, especially in the highly competitive world of professional dance, are exceedingly rare
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