Long Wharf Theatre Artistic Director Accused of Sexual Misbehavior

The art director at Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven was put on leave Monday after several allegations of sexual misbehavior, the board chairwoman said in a statement. 

Gordon Edelstein was put on administrative leave immediately pending further action by the full board on Monday after a New York Times article published an account of a woman who accused the artistic director of sexual misconduct on several occasions. 

In the article, the woman claimed Edelstein kissed and groped her several times without consent. The woman said this kind of misconduct went on for years, along with other inappropriate actions. 

Four women in total spoke on the record to the newspaper about Edelstein's unwanted sexual contact. Another six former employees, both men and women, told the New York Times that Edelstein frequently used sexually explicit remarks in the workplace. 

"These allegations are unsettling. Long Wharf Theatre embraces equity, fairness and integrity. The theatre is committed to creating a workplace environment where everyone is respected, valued and feels safe. We have policies in place to support that charge," Long Wharf Theatre board chair Laura Pappano wrote in a statement.

Pappano called the complaints "surprising and unsettling." She said many of the accusations in the article were not previously reported. 

"The theatre takes this new information seriously and will use it to move forward," Pappano wrote. 

The managing director, Joshua Borenstein, will lead the theater while Edelstein is on administrative leave. 

NBC Connecticut reached out to Edelstein but has been unable to reach him for comment.

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