The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has decided not to pursue legal action against a violinist who broke a non-disclosure agreement to speak out about an alleged rape incident involving one of its senior musicians. In an open letter signed by VSO president Angela Elster and the board of directors, they acknowledged the hardships faced by violinist Esther Hwang, who bravely came forward last month with her story of an assault that she says occurred years ago.
Following a legal threat sent to Hwang the day after her story was published by the Globe and Mail, the orchestra faced backlash from supporters of Hwang. However, in a recent open letter released on Tuesday, the VSO expressed remorse for the suffering Hwang endured and indicated that the incident prompted the organization to reflect on its policies.
The VSO has pledged not to impose confidentiality agreements in cases of sexual misconduct or rape unless specifically requested by the complainant. The organization has assured that it is treating Hwang’s concerns with utmost seriousness, and the accused perpetrator has not been associated with the orchestra since 2019. Additionally, it was revealed that in 2019, Hwang received a settlement payment of $7,100 from the orchestra, which also included the non-disclosure agreement she had signed.
Hwang has disclosed that she felt pressured to sign the confidentiality agreement after an alleged assault by her former violin instructor during a post-performance event in 2018, where she claims she was intoxicated to the point of blacking out.