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.
According to WWBT, the complaint alleges that some students received so-called “fat letters” instructing them to lose weight. The complaint further claims that underweight students were allegedly given the most coveted performance roles. The lawsuit also alleges students were required to participate in public weigh-ins, and that one student was allegedly told she “looked good” after disclosing to a staff member that she was struggling with bulimia, WWBT reported.
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The complaint also includes allegations of physical violence. Per WWBT, it alleges a student was struck on the back of the head and pushed to the floor.
The anonymous plaintiff says she attended Richmond Ballet between 2007 and 2015 and claims she developed persistent lower back pain, anorexia, and anxiety as a result of her experience at the school. The lawsuit further alleges she was exposed to an increased risk of other health issues. The company is also accused of failing to provide “reasonable care” for its students, according to the reports.
The plaintiff is the third person to accuse Richmond Ballet of abuse since 2022, according to WRIC. Previous complaints have similarly alleged that staff actions contributed to eating disorders and additional health issues.
The complaint also alleges students were physically struck by staff members. It cites a 2014 incident in which a staff member allegedly threatened a student who resisted his advances after he allegedly touched her on the thighs, according to the outlet.
In a statement issued to WRIC on Jan. 5, Richmond Ballet Executive Director Kathleen Holman said the company “recently learned” of the lawsuit, which she described as involving alleged incidents from more than a decade ago.
“Our priority has always been to provide a safe and supportive environment for aspiring professional and recreational dancers alike, and we take this objective very seriously,” Holman said. “The Ballet does not comment on pending litigation as a matter of policy. We will investigate thoroughly and respond to the claims through our legal counsel when appropriate.”
“Over our half-century of training thousands of students, we have earned an excellent reputation and will zealously defend the School of Richmond Ballet, our faculty, and our staff,” the statement concluded.
