NYC Ballet Director Accused Of Sexual Misconduct, Report Says

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Peter Martins, the artistic director at The School of American Ballet and ballet master in chief at New York City Ballet, has been suspended following an accusation of sexual misconduct, The New York Times first reported.

Martins, 71, was accused of sexual harassment in an anonymous letter sent to the school, the Times reported. The Danish-born ballet dancer has been affiliated with New York City Ballet since first performing with the organization in 1967, according to the ballet.

Two former dancers at the ballet told the New York Times that Martins was known for having sexual relationships with dancers. The dancers who slept with Martins would receive better roles in the organization's productions, the dancers told the Times.

The school told the Times that Martins has been removed from his teaching post during the investigation.

"The safety and well-being of our students is our absolute priority," the school told the Times in a statement "recently received an anonymous letter making general, non-specific allegations of sexual harassment in the past by Peter Martins at both New York City Ballet and the school."

A spokesperson for The School of American Ballet did not immediately return Patch's request for comment.

Read the full New York Times article here.

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