The anonymous plaintiff claims she suffered from persistent lower back pain, anorexia and anxiety as a result
NEED TO KNOW
- A former student at Richmond Ballet is accusing the company of fostering an abusive environment in an $11.5 million lawsuit
- The complaint alleges that students were “sexually, physically, emotionally and psychologically abused” at the ballet school
- The anonymous plaintiff claims she suffered from persistent lower back pain, anorexia and anxiety as a result of the abuse
A former student at Richmond Ballet is suing the company for $11.5 million, alleging that the staff fostered a culture of abuse.
The civil complaint, filed in Richmond Circuit Court on Dec. 18, according to local news stations WWBT and WRIC, alleges that the staff’s behavior led to eating disorders and health issues. The identity of the plaintiff remains anonymous.
In the 85-page complaint, the former student, who began taking classes at just eight years old, described a “multi-year sexual, physical, and psychological abuse and exploitation,” per WRIC, and accused two staff members of having “sexually, physically, emotionally and psychologically abused Plaintiff and caused Plaintiff to suffer injuries from which she will never recover.”
According to WWBT, the complaint alleges that some of the students at Richmond Ballet were given “fat letters” instructing them to lose weight. Underweight students were allegedly given the most sought-after spots in the performances, per the outlet’s report…