Violinist Lara St. John Clarifies Settlement Terms in Defamation Case Against Baltimore Symphony Concertmaster

Violinist and activist Lara St. John has issued a statement addressing the resolution of a defamation lawsuit filed against her by Baltimore Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Jonathan Carney. The legal action originated from a Facebook post St. John made in March 2025, where she criticized Carney's planned retirement as Concertmaster Laureate at the end of the 2026/27 season. In her social media commentary, St. John alleged that Carney had engaged in misconduct toward women in the orchestra over many years, specifically referencing oboist Katherine Needleman's experience two decades prior. Carney filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, identifying thirteen statements he claimed were false and damaging to his reputation. The case was settled in March 2026, with St. John posting a retraction of allegations she lacked direct knowledge about. However, St. John now disputes Carney's characterization of the settlement terms reported to The Violin Channel. She asserts the agreement did not include a requirement to cease a 'personal campaign' against him, and she maintains no such campaign existed. St. John also clarifies that she received no prior communication from Carney before the lawsuit was initiated and that no monetary damages were paid as part of the resolution. The settlement involved a dismissal with prejudice following depositions of Carney and several witnesses. Katherine Needleman, who was subpoenaed in the case, and former Washington Post reporter Anne Midgette have publicly commented on the situation, with Midgette questioning the lawsuit's impact on Carney's standing. St. John has expressed gratitude for the support she has received from the community.