the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Waldwick NJ, an insurance company is seeking to avoid paying a $30 million settlement related to allegations of sexual abuse at the now-shuttered Petrov Ballet School in Waldwick. Markel Insurance Co. has filed a lawsuit claiming it is not obligated to cover the settlement based on specific exclusions in its policy.
The Allegations
The case stems from accusations against Eugene Petrov, the owner of the Waldwick-based ballet school, who was accused of sexual abuse in 2021 by several women who were his students. Allegations against Petrov include inappropriate touching, private online messaging, and even traveling to a plaintiff’s college apartment for sexual encounters. The abuse is said to have begun when the victims were teenagers at the school.
Four women initially brought the allegations, seeking a trial by jury and $50 million in damages. A fifth woman later joined with her own lawsuit.
The Settlement
In September 2023, a $30 million consent judgment was reached. Under the terms, the five plaintiffs agreed to seek the settlement amount exclusively from Markel Insurance, not from the ballet school or its employees. The Petrov Ballet School had permanently closed in September 2021, and its website and social media presence were removed.
Markel’s Defense
Markel Insurance has responded by filing a declaratory judgment lawsuit, arguing that its policy language exempts it from liability in cases involving sexual abuse, molestation, or similar misconduct. The company is disputing the settlement agreement, citing these exclusions as a basis to deny payment.
A Complex Legal Battle
The lawsuit raises questions about the extent to which insurance companies can be held responsible for covering claims involving misconduct that is explicitly excluded under their policies. It also underscores the devastating impact of sexual abuse cases, both for survivors seeking justice and for institutions navigating the financial and reputational fallout.
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