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Probe into sexual harassment allegations against Dutoit inconclusive: OSM

The OSM "sincerely empathizes" with the two complainants, who decided not to pursue their complaints "for reasons entirely their own."

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An internal investigation opened at the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal regarding two complaints of sexual harassment against Charles Dutoit has ended inconclusively.

The OSM’s executive committee ordered an independent investigation last December after receiving a complaint against Dutoit, who was the orchestra’s artistic director from 1977 to 2002.

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During the investigation, the independent expert looked into two complaints.

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But after communicating or meeting with the complainants “on several occasions,” the expert’s investigation “did not yield sufficient information in relation to allegations of sexual harassment,” the OSM said in a statement.

The two complainants didn’t want to follow up on their complaints, the OSM said, and didn’t think it was necessary to “provide formal declarations with respect to these allegations.”

The internal investigation ended in mid-October.

“We sincerely empathize with the two plaintiffs who decided, for reasons entirely their own, not to follow up on their complaints in the context of this investigation,” said Madeleine Careau, chief executive officer of the OSM. “We respect their personal choice, and with all advisement welcome the independent expert’s work.”

Dutoit has been facing a series of sexual assault allegations for about a year, and several orchestras have since ended their professional relationships with him. Dutoit has denied all the allegations, which have not been proven in court.

The expert who conducted the investigation also recommended the OSM tighten and expand its policy on workplace harassment. The OSM said it accepts the recommendation.

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