Belgian choreographer Jan Fabre, one of Europe's most celebrated and controversial artists, has been referred to a Belgian criminal court on charges of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Belgian choreographer Jan Fabre, one of Europe's most celebrated and controversial artists, has been referred to a Belgian criminal court on charges of sexual harassment in the workplace, a court statement said, according to a report by AFP (Agence France Presse)
The 62-year-old choreographer, visual artist and theatre director is known for his provocative performances that openly address sexuality. A first hearing will take place in Antwerp on September 21, 2021.
The case stems from complaints by twenty dancers who in 2018 are allegedly suffering years of humiliation and sexual harassment in an open letter that thrust the #metoo movement into the highest spheres of Europe's avant garde.
The former employees described a toxic work environment where sexual acts became an exchange for performance time and where "humilation was our daily bread". Among other accusations, they said that Jan Fabre invited artists to his home under the pretext of preparing performances, but would then attempt a "sexual approach".
Some staff were offered a substantial sum after these invitations, with those who refused the money seeing their stature in the group suffer.
They alleged several acts of humiliation and sexual intimidation, including "semi-secret" photographic sessions in which dancers were singled out with offers of money and urged to take drugs to "feel more free".
Anna Melnykova, "Palace of Labor (palats praci), architector I. Pretro, 1916", shot with analog Canon camera, 35 mm Fuji film in March 2022.
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