Body shaming by Toronto orchestra management sparked backlash, leading to the resignation of management and the shutdown of the organization.
Sheraton Cadwell Orchestra management sent an email to performers asking vocalists who are not "physically fit and slim" to refrain from wearing "tight-fitting dresses," the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
The email singled out two performers, saying "although almost all of our vocalists are fit and slim — the way our boutique orchestras would like our front line artists to be — two of our featured singers were not." It went on to say that "only singers who are physically fit and slim (or, at the very least, those who know how to dress strategically/appropriately in order to not bring attention to their temporary physical/dietary indulgences) would be showcased."
"The first thing that came to my mind when I read it was, 'Is this directed towards me?'" vocalist Victoria Leone said, according to the CBC.
Leone sent an email to management.
"In their response, they said it was a privilege and pleasure to have me in their company and if I could re-read the text in red ... and essentially they sent the same email back to me and highlighted some points," she said.
Another email from management asked the singer "to kindly accept our sincere apology," CBC noted.
It was unclear how many of the orchestra board's 11 members resigned, CBC said, but another email from management said: "We sincerely apologize for any embarrassment/harassment that you may experience from media representatives or other individuals/parties as a result of misconstrued/malicious allegations and extremely negative/destructive/evil intent."
Leone said she was disappointed at the outcome, according to Global News.
"It was very disappointing to hear that they feel our discussion about the body-shaming situation was a 'malicious and evil' attempt at shutting down the organization," she said. "This was never the intent from any of the girls who've spoken out, and I feel that all we simply wanted was a sincere apology."
The volunteer organization provided entertainment for weddings, corporate functions and charity events, The Toronto Star reported.
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