Royal Academy of Music facing sex claims

THE Royal Academy of Music is facing calls for an investigation into claims by students that it tolerates a “casting couch” mentality among some tutors and staff.

More than a dozen students are understood to have submitted complaints of sexual harassment and impropriety by teachers there.

One student claimed to have been told to “get used to the casting couch”, suggesting roles could be traded for sex. Another is understood to have complained that when she asked her tutor how she could please him she was told, “a b--- job would be a good start.”

A third student was told to “take a year out and go and work in a brothel”.

The classical music website Slipped Disc reported that at least 15 students – all in their early 20s, of both sexes – have cited inappropriate behaviour by staff.

Sources told Norman Lebrecht, who runs the website: “As far as the students are concerned no action was taken, though the matter was said to have been brought to the principal’s attention and the subject of the complaints was believed to have given an undertaking to behave better.

“Students are frustrated at the blank wall encountered when reporting sexual impropriety by their teachers.”

Last month its head of Royal Academy Opera, Gareth Hancock, was suspended after being sacked by Glydebourne for “inappropriate behaviour”.

The Musicians Union, which has set up an email address to share instances of abuse, said: “We expect senior management to take all reports of sexual harassment with utmost seriousness.”

The academy, which was founded in 1822, refused to comment or confirm any investigation.