Accademia dell'Aquila revokes Jan Fabre's honorary degree over sexual misconduct conviction

The Accademia di Belle Arti dell'Aquila has canceled the honorary degree ceremony for Belgian artist Jan Fabre, scheduled for March 14, 2024, following his 2022 conviction for sexual harassment. The decision came after public backlash and a petition on Change.org by theater scholar Giulia Palladini. Fabre was convicted in April 2022 by an Antwerp court for sexual harassment, receiving an 18-month suspended sentence, a five-year loss of civil rights, and an order to pay damages to victims. The charges, brought by dancers from his Troubleyn company in 2018, included sexist criticism, creating a hostile work environment, and sexual assault. Despite the conviction, Fabre continued to receive invitations, including a lecture at the University of Bari in fall 2023, which sparked protests from anti-violence associations. The honorary degree reversal was described by the academy as a unanimous decision to protect all positions. Fabre had also planned to present the documentary 'The Crown of Love. The ultimate performance' at MAXXI in Rome on March 12, 2024, but that event was also affected by the controversy.