British choreographer’s death abruptly follows Danish theatre’s decision to cancel his ballet

Liam Scarlett at 35 was one of the most acclaimed names in the business, but allegations of abusive behaviour forced Det Kongelige Teater to scrap his May 2022 shows

Ben Hamilton

Apr 19, 2021

In the hours following Det Kongelige Teater’s (KGL) decision last Friday to cancel a ballet in the spring of 2022, the 35-year-old internationally-acclaimed choreographer, Liam Scarlett, lost his life.

The ballet star’s family confirmed the news on Saturday, leaving KGL head Kasper Holten to make a very different kind of announcement to the one he made on Friday.

“We are deeply touched by the news of Liam Scarlett’s death. Our thoughts go to his bereaved. Our focus is now on our employees and on helping and supporting them in the coming time,” he told TV2 over the weekend.

A ‘No’ to ‘Frankenstein’
On Friday, the tone had been somewhat different when Holten explained that Scarlett’s forthcoming ballet ‘Frankenstein’ would not be performed in May 2022 due to reports of the choreographer’s “unacceptable behavior” on visits to Copenhagen for rehearsals in 2018 and 19.

“We therefore do not want to perform the works of the choreographer in question for the time being, and ‘Frankenstein’ in the spring of 2022 has therefore been cancelled,” explained Holten.

On the following day, Scarlett’s family confirmed “Liam’s tragic and premature death”.

Allegations in London and Australia
In 2020, allegations of Scarlett’s allegedly sexually abusive behaviour were investigated at the Royal Ballet in London.

However, while the investigation found no “cases to follow as regards students at the Royal Ballet School”, his contract was nulled.

Last year Scarlett was investigated for abusive behaviour in connection with working Queensland Ballet, but again, no evidence was found.

Zero tolerance of abuse
Holten’s statement on Friday made it clear that abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Offensive behavior is unacceptable at the Det Kongelige Teater, also from guest artists. The well-being and safety of our employees is a high priority for us,” he said.

“We therefore do not wish to perform the works of the choreographer in question for the time being, and ‘Frankenstein’ in the spring of 2022 has therefore been cancelled. A replacement repertoire will be announced at the season launch on 3 May.”