A former student at Richmond Ballet has filed a lawsuit seeking $11.5 million, alleging the organization’s staff fostered a culture of abuse that contributed to eating disorders and lasting health problems.
The civil complaint was filed in Richmond Circuit Court on Dec. 18, according to local news stations WWBT and WRIC. The plaintiff is anonymous.
In the 85-page complaint, the former student—who began taking classes at the school at age 8—describes what she alleges was a “multi-year sexual, physical, and psychological abuse and exploitation,” per WRIC. The lawsuit also accuses two staff members of “sexually, physically, emotionally and psychologically” abusing her and causing injuries she says she will never fully recover from…