The director of a music festival linked to Bozar has been dismissed following multiple accusations of harassment and abuse of power.
Bruno Letort has directed the contemporary music festival Ars Musica since 2013. On Tuesday, the board of directors agreed to dismiss the 61-year-old following a report detailing the testimonies of seven women who were sexually harassed by Letort.
"To successfully continue the activities of Ars Musica, the board of directors has decided to terminate the contractual relationship with Bruno Letort," stated chairperson Claude Janssens. "The council has asked that the reasons for the termination be kept confidential, so that no negative comments about Ars Musica circulate."
However, the true details of the dismissal have now emerged. Culture Minister for the French-speaking Community Bénédicte Linard (Ecolo) revealed the extent of abuse in an interview with De Standaard. "This decision was essential, given the very serious allegations against Letort. Intimidation, abuse of power and sexist violence have no place," she said.
Credit: Bozar / Mari Driguez
The board first became aware of the director's misdemeanour in 2022. A report subsequently put together by Engagement – an online platform fighting sexual harassment in the arts sector – underlined Letort's behavioural patterns towards women such as inappropriate messages and unwelcome advances outside of working hours.
In light of these revelations, Linard called on Ars Musica to take action and has appointed a supervisor to oversee the board's decision-making in the fallout of the abuse incidents.
Letort is a distinguished composer and musician who has written arrangements for Belgian pop artist Stromae and is a regular broadcaster on Radio France.
