In a shocking turn of events, two members of the prestigious New York Philharmonic, Matthew Muckey and Liang Wang, have been suspended for the second time over a 14-year-old rape allegation. The alleged victim, Cara Kizer, recently came forward with detailed accusations, claiming that Muckey and Wang drugged and raped her during a music festival in 2010.
Although Kizer reported the alleged rape to the Vail police, charges were not pursued by the district attorney citing insufficient evidence. This led to backlash from the public and the music community, especially during the MeToo movement in 2018 when the Philharmonic initially suspended Muckey and Wang.
Despite being reinstated in 2020 after a union-led arbitration, the duo has once again been suspended, prompting them to file federal lawsuits against the Philharmonic and the musicians’ union for breach of contract and unspecified damages. The Philharmonic and the union have remained silent on the ongoing situation but have initiated a new investigation into the orchestra’s culture.
Kizer’s accusations have sparked a divided response within the music community, with some showing support for the alleged victim while others questioning the validity of the claims. The re-suspension of Muckey and Wang has also raised concerns about the reputation of the Philharmonic and the potential impact on donors and board members.
As the investigation continues and tensions rise, the future of Muckey and Wang at the New York Philharmonic remains uncertain. Stay tuned to The Bib Theorists for more updates on this developing story.
