NYC Ballet Director Retires Amid Sexual Misconduct Claims: Report

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Peter Martinsl, the influential leader of the New York City Ballet and The School of American Ballet, has retired weeks after being accused of sexual misconduct, the New York Times first reported.

Martins, 71, announced his retirement in a letter sent to the ballet's board of directors, the Times reported.
"I have denied, and continue to deny, that I have engaged in any such misconduct," Martins wrote in the letter acquired by the Times.

Martins was suspended by the New York City Ballet and The School of American Ballet in December after being accused of sexual harassment and physical and verbal abuse. 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.

"I cooperated fully in the investigation and understand it will be completed shortly. I believe its findings would have vindicated me," Martins wrote in a letter to the ballet's board.

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

Read the New York Times' full story here.

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