Liang Wang, principal oboe of the New York Philharmonic, is suing Vox Media, owner of New York Magazine, and freelance reporter Sammy Sussman for $100 million, claiming defamation over accusations published in New York Magazine’s “Vulture” section. The article, which alleges Wang drugged an orchestra colleague in 2020, created a firestorm of controversy when it was published in mid April. Wang is already suing the New York Philharmonic over the incident.
Concurrently, protests this week at Lincoln Center called for the New York Philharmonic to dissolve the non-disclosure agreement imposed on the alleged victim. Horn player Cara Kizer was forced to sign the NDA following an arbitrator’s investigation, the results of which were never fully made public.
Why it matters:
- Journalistic Integrity: This dual situation underscores the high stakes of media reporting on misconduct allegations, emphasizing the need for journalistic accuracy and the profound impact such reports can have on individuals’ careers and reputations. Sussman and New York Magazine will be forced to either settle the lawsuit or show in court evidence of the story’s truth.
- Another #MeToo Moment: The protests and legal actions highlight ongoing issues of transparency, accountability, and the treatment of women in the classical music industry, calling for systemic change and greater protections for victims of misconduct.
