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Scandal at the Erfurt Theater: Montavon in court over allegations of abuse!
Erfurt is being criticized for allegations of abuse against theater director Montavon. Overview of current developments and reactions.
Scandal at the Erfurt Theater: Montavon in court over allegations of abuse!
In Erfurt's cultural scene, a thick fog lies over the theater. The renowned house is facing massive allegations of sexual assault and abuse of power. Director General Guy Montavon has been placed on temporary leave. According to MDR, the decision was made based on a report from a Berlin law firm that examines the management culture in the theater. Who exactly the allegations concern remains unclear.
The situation escalated when a second report in April 2024 revealed that Montavon had not included the city council's works committee in the processes and thus grossly violated its duty to provide information regarding the allegations of abuse. This led to an outcry from the ranks of the Erfurt Philharmonic Orchestra, which expressed its “disappointment, irritation and frustration” over the loss of trust in the decision-makers in an urgent letter to Mayor Andreas Bausewein and the city council factions.
Internal disputes and termination
Another aspect that is heating up tempers is the fact that Montavon can remain in office as artistic director without any personnel responsibility until the end of the 2024 season, as no prosecutable crimes have been identified to date. This decision has already led to objections from numerous city council members. The city council then cleared the way for Montavon's termination in the summer of 2024, although the exact date was not made public.
Another explosive discovery in the report shows that Montavon is said to have privately used services from the theater workshops. There was also criticism from local politicians for this situation, as the equal opportunities officer Witzmann was dismissed comparatively quickly, while the Montavon case dragged on for months. How the legal disputes will develop remains to be seen: Montavon is suing against his dismissal, and the Erfurt Labor Court is responsible for the case, while the city is appealing the decision.
A worrying signal
The incidents in the Erfurt Theater are part of a broader discussion about abuse of power in cultural companies. According to TFM Log this is not an isolated case. Many cultural institutions face the challenge of creating an environment that ensures both security and artistic freedom. The recent events in the Erfurt theater shed a bright light on existing problems and show how necessary a comprehensive reappraisal is.
The city has also set aside 1.5 million euros for possible back payments for Montavon's salaries - a sum that illustrates the extent of the situation. While the allegations continue to be investigated, the future of the theater and its leaders remains in limbo. The next city council meeting on February 7th could be crucial in bringing clarity to this chaotic situation.