Don Rosenberg, the critic who was no longer allowed to review the Cleveland Orchestra by the Cleveland Plain Dealer because of his supposedly negative criticism of the orchestra's music director, Franz Welser-Möst, is suing his former employer.
I blogged about this when I first heard about the story – and it's difficult to feel anything but sympathy for Rosenberg. Here's what he says about why he's pursuing the lawsuit: "I can't be silent. There are many issues involved in this case. It's about freedom of speech; it's about freedom of the press; and it's certainly about censorship". Hear, hear. Interestingly, he cites the orchestra as well, for their alleged role in colluding with the Plain Dealer in removing him from the most important part of his duties. It will be fascinating to see what happens if and when the case makes it to court.
