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Uni promises ‘rigorous’ inquiries into abuse allegation levelled at famed composer
Allegations of sexual assault and grooming have been raised by former students against famed Kiwi composer, the late Jack Body.
Senior leaders at Victoria University of Wellington are reviewing the historical allegations that have been brought to light this month, after alumni of the university’s New Zealand School of Music were asked to donate to the Jack Body Memorial Fund, established October 2019.
Whilst a spokesperson said “no direct allegations” had been made to the university and no evidence had been received at the time, former students alleged the following, that Body had asked drunk students to pose for naked and semi-naked photo shoots and in one case, sexually assaulted a student during a year-end assessment meeting at the school.
“The university community is shocked and saddened to hear details of the historical allegations about Jack Body that have been published in the media.”
“A group of senior leaders at the university has begun meeting to determine a rigorous, respectful and appropriate process for making inquiries around these serious allegations and how we might engage with people who may be able to provide information”, says the spokesperson.
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Published October 7, 2020