LIAM Scarlett, a star British choreographer, has died at the age of 35, says his family.
He created a ‘Jubilee Pas de Deux’ to celebrate the Queen’s 60 years as Monarch, and led a new production of ‘Swan Lake’ for the Royal Ballet.
Who was Liam Scarlett?
Liam Scarlett worked around the world with companies including the New York City Ballet, the Norwegian National Ballet, the Miami City Ballet and Queensland Ballet in Australia.
The Times reports: “The internationally renowned former dancer, once tipped as one of the hottest stars in the ballet world, left the Royal Ballet last year amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour.”
No criminal charges were brought against him.
He had been suspended by the Royal Ballet in 2019 after former students made allegations of sexual misconduct, including an accusation of encouraging students to send him naked photos.
However, the company announced in March 2020 that an investigation had found “there were no matters to pursue”.
Yet it terminated its relationship with Scarlett and cancelled planned productions of his work.
Australia’s Queensland Ballet also cut ties with Scarlett in 2019.
But the artistic director said Queensland Ballet has conducted its own investigation and found no evidence of improper behaviour by Scarlett in Australia, reported the Sydney Morning Herald in 2020.
In mid-April 2021, Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen cancelled performances of Scarlett’s ‘Frankenstein’, scheduled for next year.
This action was taken after similar allegations of misconduct from people who had worked with him there, the Times reported.
The Danish theatre had said: “Liam Scarlett is no longer employed by the Royal Ballet.
“Since then, the Royal Theatre has actively sought dialogue with its own employees who have worked with Liam Scarlett.
“That process has now led to the theatre cancelling the upcoming performance.”
How did Liam Scarlett die?
Liam Scarlett died on Friday, April 16, 2021, on the same day that Denmark’s Royal Theatre pulled his show over allegations of “offensive behaviour”.
The Times says he died “unexpectedly”.
The cause of death has not been disclosed, adds The Guardian.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic, untimely death of our beloved Liam,” his family said in a statement.
“At this difficult time for all of our family, we would ask that you respect our privacy to enable us to grieve our loss,” they added.
The Royal Opera House, home of the Royal Ballet, said on Twitter: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Liam Scarlett’s death.
“Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this very sad time.”
The New Zealand School of Dance tweeted: “So sad learning Liam Scarlett has died.”
Did Liam Scarlett have a partner?
It’s not clear whether ballet star Liam Scarlett had a partner.
