The head of the New York City Ballet will retire following sexual harassment allegations, announced the company Monday.
Peter Martins, 71, a former Danish ballet dancer and head of the New York City Ballet since 1983, will retire following sexual harassment allegations, reported The New York Post. Ballet dancers accused Martins of physical and verbal abuse, claims that Martins has denied.
“Peter has informed the board of the New York City Ballet of his intention to retire. We thank Peter for his tremendous contributions to New York City Ballet as ballet master in chief for over three decades, leading the Company to exceptional artistic heights and accomplishments,” said Charles W. Scharf, the chairman of the New York City Ballet, in a statement to the New York Times.
Scharf added that the company “takes seriously the allegations” against him and that an independent investigation will be completed soon.
Martins was removed from his teaching duties in December due to the “anonymous letter” accusing him of sexual harassment. He was previously arrested in 1992 for alleged assault against his wife Darci Kistler, added The New York Post.
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