Abuse accusations stir up Vienna State Opera ballet academy

The director of the Vienna State Opera has expressed shock over abuse allegations at its renowned ballet academy.

Dominique Meyer told reporters Wednesday: “Things have happened that are unacceptable.” He promised full cooperation with an investigation into the accusations.

Austrian magazine Falter reported a day earlier, based on interviews with students and staff, that students at the academy were subjected to abuse by a teacher and some of them then developed eating disorders. There was also one allegation of sexual abuse.

It said one teacher has since been fired and a second one is currently not allowed to teach.

Austria’s APA news agency quoted Vienna prosecutors as saying that they are investigating the abuse claims.

Some 110 students attend the ballet academy, which was founded in the 18th century by Empress Maria Theresa.