STATE COURT UPHOLDS REDGRAVE’S RIGHT TO SUE BOSTON SYMPHONY
Oscar-winning actress Vanessa Redgrave has won a round in her complicated civil rights lawsuit that accuses the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) of canceling her contract because of public outcry over her political views.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court said Wednesday that parties may be held liable under state civil rights law even if they had no intention of infringing on an individual’s rights and were “acquiescing” to third-party pressure.
The 5-2 opinion was only an interim step that enables the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to continue considering her appeal.
The controversial English actress sued the orchestra in 1982 after the BSO canceled her contract for a series of performances of “Oedipus Rex” in Boston and New York City.
The cancellation followed public protests over Redgrave’s support for the Palestinian Liberation Organization. BSO officials said they were concerned about the safety of the performers and audience and the artistic integrity of the work.
Redgrave filed suit in U.S. District Court, charging the orchestra with breach of contract and violation of her freedom of speech rights.
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