Prominent Ballet Dancer Quits Amid Sex Misconduct Investigation

GRAMERCY, NY — A principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre resigned this week amid an investigation into an allegation of sexual misconduct against him, the high-profile dance company said.

Marcelo Gomes, the dancer, resigned just days after the American Ballet Theatre said they were informed of a "highly concerning" allegation against Gomes, the Associated Press was first to report.

On Saturday, the dance company was notified of an allegation of sexual misconduct from about eight years ago, the theater's chairman Andrew Barth said in a statement. The incident in question did not involve any current or former employees of ABT besides Gomes, Barth said.

"ABT does not tolerate the alleged behavior," Barth said in a statement, adding that he was "profoundly disheartened by this matter."

The dance company, which is headquartered in Gramercy, did not provide additional details about the accusation against Gomes.

The company said that after it was informed of the allegation, it retained the law firm Cahill Gordon & Geindel LLP to launch an independent investigation. Gomes resigned before the investigation concluded.

"This is a time of reflection for Marcelo," Lisa Linden, a spokeswoman for Marcelo Gomes, said in a statement. "He is gratified and strengthened by the support he has received from family, friends and colleagues. We have no further comment at this time."

Gomes is one of the most recognized ballet dancers and choreographers in the world. Gomes' website describes him as one of the "top three male dancers in the world" with "movie star good looks." A documentary about him, titled "Anatomy of a Male Ballet Dancer," is scheduled to premiere at the Film Forum in Manhattan in January.

Gomes' resignation comes shortly after Peter Martins, the leader of the New York City Ballet, took a leave of absence after he was accused of sexual harassment and physical and verbal abuse by multiple dancers. Martins has not commented on the accusations while the City Ballet and the School of American Ballet review the accusations against him.

Image credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP. Brazilian dancer Marcelo Gomes attends the American Ballet Theatre's 2017 Spring Gala at The Metropolitan Opera House on Monday, May 22, 2017, in New York.