Liam Scarlett: Internationally-renowned ballet choreographer who faced allegations of abuse has died aged 35

Choreographer Liam Scarlett has died at the age of 35, a year after leaving The Royal Ballet over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Choreographer Liam Scarlett has died aged 35. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, file)

A statement from his family said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic, untimely death of our beloved Liam.

"At this difficult time for all of our family, we would ask that you respect our privacy to enable us to grieve our loss."

Former artist in residence, Scarlett’s position with The Royal Ballet ended last year in January 2020 following allegations of sexual misconduct against his students.

Although, after investigation, no evidence was found to corroborate the allegations and no criminal charges were brought against him.

The Royal Opera House – home to the Royal Ballet Company – said that an independent investigation into Scarlett had concluded and that his time with them had come to an end.

There "were no matters to pursue in relation to alleged contact with students of The Royal Ballet School", it said.

Scarlett joined the Royal Ballet Company in 2006 and retired from dancing in 2012 to focus on choreography.

The allegations sent shockwaves through the ballet world, with Australia's Queensland Ballet among those to cut ties with Scarlett.

The Royal Opera House previously said it was "made aware of allegations relating to Liam Scarlett" in August 2019.

"The individual was immediately suspended and an independent disciplinary investigation opened," it said.

His works for The Royal Ballet include Despite, Vayamos al Diablo, Consolations and Liebestraum, Asphodel Meadows and new production of Swan Lake.

A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.