- Title: New York Ballet leader retires after claims of sexual, physical abuse
- Date: 2nd January 2018
- Summary: HAVANA, CUBA (FILE - OCTOBER 30, 2016) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF NEW YORK CITY BALLET PERFORMING BALLET BEING PERFORMED
- Embargoed: 16th January 2018 16:32
- Keywords: Bolshoi Ballet New York City Ballet Peter Martins retirement harassment allegations
- Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES / HAVANA, CUBA
- City: NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES / HAVANA, CUBA
- Country: USA
- Topics: Crime/Law/Justice,Arts / Culture / Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVA0057WF4ZLZ
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Longtime New York City Ballet chief Peter Martins said on Monday (January 1) he was retiring from the prestigious dance company and from the American School of Ballet, where he is chairman of faculty, after allegations of sexual harassment and verbal and physical abuse of dancers.
The allegations are being investigated by an independent lawyer retained by the two organizations last month, after the New York City Ballet said it had received an anonymous letter making "general, nonspecific allegations of sexual harassment" against Martins.
In a letter to the boards of both institutions dated Monday, provided to Reuters by the New York City Ballet, Martins said: "I have denied, and continue to deny that I engaged in any such misconduct." He described the allegations as "largely anonymous and decades-old."
Martins, 71, could not be reached for comment on Monday. Reuters was unable to independently confirm any of the allegations.
He is the latest of dozens of high-profile men in media, entertainment and politics that have retired, resigned or been fired in the past few months following accusations of sexual harassment or assault. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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