The Cleveland Orchestra has fired concertmaster William Preucil and principal trombonist Massimo La Rosa following an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against both.
The findings of the independent investigation were released Wednesday, with officials confirming both Preucil and La Rosa "engaged in sexual misconduct and sexually harassing behavior with multiple female students and colleagues over a period of years while employed by the Orchestra." The two allegedly "intimidated" their victims (female members of the Orchestra), who "were afraid to take action after they were subjected to the unwelcome behavior" due to the "positions of power" held by the perpetrators.
Cleveland Orchestra Board President Richard K. Smucker released the following statement:
"Mr. Preucil’s and Mr. La Rosa’s conduct was inappropriate, appalling and inconsistent with the expectations we have for the members of our Orchestra, our staff and our board. We believe The Cleveland Orchestra should be a model for respect and trust in the way we treat our musicians, our staff and everyone with whom we work."
Preucil was originally suspended back in July after The Washington Post detailed allegations of harassment and assault against him. One alleged victim, violinist Zeneba Bowers, told the paper Preucil invited her back to his hotel room back in 1998 and, after drinks, began "aggressively kissing her, opening her buttons, pushing her onto the bed." After she fought him off and ran away "stunned and horrified," Bowers further claimed Preucil called her and threatened to blacklist her if she told anyone. Preucil thus far has declined to comment.
Then, in September, La Rosa was suspended for similar allegations, although they were never specified. The Italian-native La Rosa had been with the Orchestra since 2007.
Said Cleveland Orchestra Executive Director André Gremillet:
"We are grateful to everyone who came forward to help with this investigation and intend to move forward as an orchestra community with a clear resolve to be more responsive and protective of our musicians, staff and anyone with whom our people interact. We want to thank the victims for having the courage to come forward, and we are truly sorry about the reprehensible behavior of the two members of The Cleveland Orchestra that caused them so much harm. I can assure everyone in our community that providing a workplace where all are treated with dignity and respect is more than ever the expectation for anyone associated with the Orchestra. Our community is rightfully proud of the world-wide reputation The Cleveland Orchestra has for its musical excellence. We want to be equally known for the caliber of the environment in which that music is created."
Law firm Debevoise & Plimpton LLP conducted the investigation, and also made recommendations to enhance the Orchestra's existing policies and procedures. The Orchestra says it now "has approved a revised anti-harassment policy that makes clear that the Orchestra expressly prohibits all forms and gradations of sexual misconduct and sexually harassing behavior. Clear consequences are outlined for anyone who violates the policy." In addition, "the board has adopted a clear set of ethical principles that define the high standards of personal and professional integrity to which all members of the Orchestra community are expected to adhere." A confidential hotline has also been set up for victims to report allegations anonymously.
Channel 3 News found court documents that show how far La Rosa went to silence accusations. Last year he sued Jonathan Allen, Lecturer and Trombonist for the University of Iowa, for defamation, after he spoke out on social media about La Rosa's alleged unwanted sexual contact with one of Allen's students.
"It was frustrating to feel attacked when you're trying to do the right thing," said his wife, Kate Allen, who spoke to Channel 3 News by phone.
The lawsuit, which sought damages from Allen in excess of $100,000, came at the same time when the Allens discovered after 13 years of marriage -- Kate was pregnant.
"It came as a complete surprise," she said. "We were always told that we couldn't get pregnant, so it was a miracle."
But the stress of the lawsuit cast a shadow over their happiness, and Kate says, contributed to complications with her pregnancy, including preeclampsia and hypertension. She says the threat of financial ruin robbed her of what should have been the most joyful time when baby Sayre was born.
"My husband had this tremendous guilt that he ruined his family over this, when he was just trying to do the right thing" she said.
The lawsuit has since been settled, but a non-disclosure agreement prevents Jonathan from revealing details of the settlement.
Despite their ordeal, Kate says they do not regret that Jonathan spoke out to protect women.
"To be able to stand up for what's right. That's what I want to instill in my son," she said.