Theatre star accused of sexual assault
Soulpepper company named in four lawsuits
TORONTO • A prominent figure in the Canadian theatre world and the wellknown company he cofounded are facing separate lawsuits from four actresses who allege he exposed himself, groped them and otherwise sexually humiliated them.
The lawsuits naming Toronto-based Soulpepper Theatre Company and its founding artistic director Albert Schultz were filed this week by Patricia Fagan, Hannah Miller, Kristin Booth and Diana Bentley, who have all agreed to be named publicly. Their allegations date between 2000 and 2013.
In her claim in Ontario Superior Court, Miller says Schultz, 54, harassed and sexually assaulted her when she was a performer with Soulpepper and as a member of Soulpepper’s academy.
“Albert is a serial sexual predator who ... had well developed methods for targeting actresses and luring them into situations that he considered optimal for harassing and assaulting them,” Miller states in her claim.
Miller is seeking $650,000 in general and punitive damages for “sexual battery, the intentional infliction of mental suffering (and) harassment of a sexual nature,” according to her claim, which has yet to be tested in court. The claim also seeks $800,000 from Soulpepper.
Similarly, Fagan alleges in her lawsuit that Schultz assaulted her during a rehearsal of “Twelfth Night” in 2000, when he tried to show an actor what he wanted by “pushing his penis against her buttocks.”
The women’s lawyer, Alexi Wood, said in a statement that Soulpepper did nothing to protect the actresses from Schultz, who is also an accomplished stage and screen actor.
“Mr. Schultz abused his power for years,” Wood said. “My clients fully intend to hold him and Soulpepper Theatre Company accountable. Their brave lawsuit is the first step towards righting this incredible wrong.”
The theatre’s board of directors released a statement on Wednesday saying it has told Schultz to “step down from all his Soulpepper responsibilities” while the board investigates the women’s allegations.
The women, who first encountered Schultz when they were in their 20s, have scheduled a news conference for Thursday, Wood said.
None of the allegations has been proven in court.
Schultz released a statement late Wednesday.
“Earlier today statements of claim were filed against me and Soulpepper Theatre Company, the theatre company of which I am the founding artistic director. While the board of directors of Soulpepper conducts an investigation into these matters I will be on leave of absence, effective immediately,” it read. “These claims make serious allegations against me which I do not take lightly. Over the coming time period, I intend to vehemently defend myself.”
The lawsuits come as the entertainment world grapples with growing allegations of sexual harassment and assault, a wave sparked by accusations that emerged against Hollywood giant Harvey Weinstein in the fall.
Soulpepper bills itself as Toronto’s largest not-forprofit theatre company and Schultz has played a key role in its repertoire. The company also provides training for aspiring actors and theatre artists.
Schultz is also an executive director on the hit CBC television series Kim’s Convenience, which is independently produced by Vancouver-based Thunderbird Productions.
“In light of the serious allegations made public today, we expect Thunderbird will take the necessary actions to ensure a safe and respectful workplace and we have conveyed that to them,” said Emma Bedard, a spokeswoman for CBC.
In a statement, Thunderbird said it had a “strict no tolerance policy” against harassment and that Schultz had no role in day-to-day production of the series.
In her claim, Booth says Schultz questioned her about her sex life and fiancé and suggested they get a hotel room together. On another occasion, she says he pressed his “erect penis against her body” while hugging her.
“These unwanted advances made Kristin feel embarrassed, ashamed and utterly bewildered by Albert’s audacity,” her claim states.
The theatre company revealed in October that it had severed ties with longtime guest artist Laszlo Marton, who it said had engaged in sexual harassment.
According to Fagan’s claim, Schultz invited her to a dinner in honour of Marton after the company had severed ties with him. She declined.
Fagan also claims that in 2005, Schultz pulled down his pants and “showed her his penis,” leaving her humiliated. She says she told the play’s director what had happened.
“The director made no further inquiry and took no action, reinforcing the message that Albert’s abusive behaviour was acceptable and condoned by all at Soulpepper,” Fagan states.
Schultz was honoured with an Order of Canada in 2013 and a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in 2014.