Based on coverage from CBC, The Globe and Mail, Castanet, and The Peterborough Examiner.
VSO Ends Use of NDAs in Sexual Misconduct Cases
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) has announced it will cease using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases involving sexual misconduct, unless specifically requested by the complainant. This decision follows public backlash after violinist Esther Hwang went public with allegations of sexual assault by a senior orchestra member in 2017. Hwang had signed an NDA in 2019 as part of a settlement, which she later claimed silenced her and negatively impacted her career.
Backlash and Legal Threats
The controversy intensified when the VSO sent Hwang a cease-and-desist letter after she broke the NDA by speaking to the Globe and Mail. The orchestra initially defended its actions, citing the need to protect current employees from unproven allegations. However, the move was met with criticism from the classical music community, including a petition led by Baltimore-based oboist Katherine Needleman, which garnered around 14,000 signatures demanding the VSO cease legal actions against Hwang and end the use of NDAs in similar cases.
Open Letter and Community Response
In an open letter, the VSO expressed regret over the situation and acknowledged the need for change. The letter, signed by the orchestra's board and president Angela Elster, stated that the organization would no longer require NDAs in cases of sexual misconduct. The VSO also clarified that it would not pursue legal action against Hwang for breaching the NDA. Despite these assurances, Hwang and her supporters remain critical, arguing that the VSO's response lacks accountability and fails to address broader issues of discrimination and harassment.
Moving Forward: Policy Changes and Community Engagement
The VSO's commitment to ending the use of NDAs in sexual misconduct cases marks a significant policy shift. The organization plans to engage with experts and advocacy groups like Can't Buy My Silence to further refine its approach to handling such allegations. While the VSO has taken steps to address the immediate controversy, the situation underscores ongoing discussions about safety, accountability, and trust within artistic institutions. The orchestra's future actions will likely be closely watched as it navigates these complex issues.
Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3 | Source 4
All sources reported that the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) announced it would mostly end the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases involving sexual misconduct, following backlash after violinist Esther Hwang went public with allegations of sexual assault and retaliation. No meaningful differences in coverage were found across the sources provided.
