Leader of NYC Ballet retiring amid misconduct investigation
NEW YORK — The longtime leader of the New York City Ballet is retiring in the midst of an investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct by him.
Peter Martins wrote a letter to the company’s board of directors on Monday announcing his retirement, saying the scandal had “exacted a painful toll on me and my family.”
The 71-year-old Martins told board members he continues to deny sexually harassing or abusing members of the company, including dancers. He said he had been the subject of news articles reporting largely anonymous and decades-old accusations.
City Ballet announced last month Martins would take a leave of absence from the company and its School of American Ballet during an independent investigation. The company hired a law firm to conduct the investigation after receiving an anonymous letter accusing Martins of harassment.