Peter Martins, the powerful head of the New York City Ballet, has abruptly resigned in the wake of a wave of misconduct allegations and a drunk driving charge, according to the Daily Mail.
Martin is among 108 people in the left-wing entertainment industry accused of misconduct.
The 71-year-old Martins is currently under investigation by the New York City Ballet Company after five dancers came forward to accuse him of physical and verbal abuse. Former dancer Kelly Boal claims Martins grabbed her and shook her violently in 1983.
Darci Kistler and Director of the New York City Ballet Peter Martins dance at the New York City Ballet 2009-2010 season opening night celebration at the David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center on November 24, 2009 in New York City. (Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
Kerry Washington, Ballet Master in Chief of New York City Ballet Peter Martins and Mia Maestro attend the opening night of the New York City Ballet’s “Romeo + Juliet” on May 1, 2007 in New York City. (Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
A total of 24 people told the New York Times Martins created a “culture of intimidation.” Some claimed he exploited his authority and engaged in sexual relationships with those he had power over. Others have come out in his defense, but it was Thursday’s drunk driving incident that appears to have been the final straw.
Martins resigned afterward. The investigation is ongoing. Martin maintains that the allegations against him are not true and that he is cooperating with the internal investigation.
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