Director of national theatre of Greece charged with rape

The former artistic director of Greece’s National Theatre, Dimitris Lignadis, has been taken on rape charges, Greek police said.

The well-known stage actor and producer turned himself in on Saturday afternoon at Athens police headquarters, Greek Police spokesman Theodoros Chronopoulos told the Associated Press.

The 56-year-old was being held pending an idea before a magistrate.

Lignadis resigned his post as artistic director of Greece’s National Theater two weeks ago amid rumors of alleged sexual misconduct. He has denied accusations against him.

Publications earlier this year by an Olympic gold medalist that she had been raped by a sailing organization official back in 1998 have sparked a #MeToo movement reckoning in Greece.

People have come forward to accuse well-known forms of sexual harassment, assault, and rape.

Well-known actors and leads have come under fire, but Lignadis is the first to be arrested.

The case has taken on political dimensions. The political complaint accused the Greek administration of failing to follow up on complaints, while the culture minister returned Friday by attacking Lignadis of being a “dangerous man” who had “corrupted” her with his acting ability.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said she asked a Supreme Court prosecutor to investigate all abuse invasions in Greece’s theater community.