A renowned choreographer has been suspended by the Royal Ballet Company over claims of sexual misconduct with students.
Independent investigators are examining allegations Liam Scarlett, 33, encouraged dangers to send him naked photographs, made inappropriate comments, and walked in on them while they were changing, according to The Times.
The inquiry has not yet concluded and it is understood that no findings have been made against Scarlett.
The allegations have sent shockwaves through the ballet world, with Australia’s Queensland Ballet among those to cut ties with Scarlett, cancelling a forthcoming run of his adaptation of Dangerous Liaisons.
The Royal Opera House, which is home to the Royal Ballet Company, said: “The individual was immediately suspended and an independent disciplinary investigation opened. As the process is still ongoing, and as a duty of care to staff and artists, we are unable to comment further.”
Scarlett joined the Royal Ballet Company in 2006 and retired from dancing in 2012 to focus on choreography.
He became artist-in-residence in 2012, and at 26 was the youngest choreographer to be commissioned to create a three-act ballet for the Royal Ballet - Frankenstein.
The company’s revival of Scarlett’s Swan Lake is due to open in March for a sold-out run.
Mr Scarlett was unavailable for comment today.
