Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will end use of NDAs in sexual misconduct cases

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra said it will stop routinely including confidentiality agreements in sexual‑misconduct settlements unless a complainant requests one, after backlash following a violinist's public allegations and a cease‑and‑desist letter.

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) says it will mostly end the use of non‑disclosure agreements in cases involving sexual misconduct. The move follows public criticism after violinist Esther Hwang publicly alleged a 2017 sexual assault and reported that she had signed a confidentiality agreement as part of a 2019 settlement. The VSO previously sent Hwang a cease‑and‑desist letter after her disclosure. In an open letter the orchestra said it will no longer include confidentiality clauses in future sexual‑misconduct agreements unless a complainant requests one. Known facts: - Esther Hwang alleged a 2017 sexual assault and said she signed a confidentiality agreement as part of a 2019 settlement. - After Hwang went public, the VSO sent a cease‑and‑desist letter and then faced backlash within the classical‑music community. - The VSO says the 2017 allegation was investigated by a third‑party and that the 2019 settlement involved the orchestra, Hwang, the musicians' union and the alleged perpetrator. - The orchestra's open letter says it will not include NDAs in future sexual‑misconduct agreements unless requested by the complainant and that it does not intend to take legal action against Hwang for breaching the confidentiality agreement. - The VSO said it will reach out to external experts and community groups, including organizations that have advocated against NDAs in harassment cases. Summary: The VSO's statement ends the routine use of confidentiality clauses in sexual‑misconduct settlements and acknowledges that the prior agreement left the complainant feeling silenced. The orchestra plans to consult experts and community groups about policy changes, and further details and actions are undetermined at this time.