Flatley sued for 'pulling out'

2005-08-05 20:11

Prague - Dance star and choreographer Michael Flatley is being sued by Czech concert promoters and faces criminal charges for pulling out of the official premiere of his new show Celtic Tiger, a lawyer said on Friday.

The Chicago-born Flatley was the force behind the hit show Lord of the Dance, which mixed Irish step-dancing with elements of tap, ballet and flamenco to a rock-influenced score.

His new show was to have opened on August 27 at Prague's Strahov stadium.

The Prague-based promoters Pragokoncert are suing Flatley for millions of koruna (tens of thousands of rands) after he pulled out of the event stating he was unhappy with safety at the venue.

"We are filing a criminal complaint with the police about Mr Flatley's incorrect behaviour. He has failed to turn up for meetings and failed to communicate with us," lawyer Radek Coufal said.

"We are also seeking damages in the range of millions of koruna for advance ticket sale revenues, lost profits and costs," he added.

The show had already been rescheduled from an original date of July 12.

In a statement on his internet site Flatley regretted the cancellation of the show last month and confirmed the show had again been cancelled because of safety concerns.

"Despite extensive negotiations with the promoter it has not been possible to reach an agreement," it said.

"The stage structure was deemed unsafe and despite various attempts to remedy this with the promoter there was no alternative but to cancel the show."

The statement said, "It has always been Michaels and his management teams position that the safety of both his audience and dancers is paramount."

But a Pragokoncert spokesperson, Blanka Bestalkova, said all safety standards had been met.

"All safety requirements were met in full and we had the certificates to prove that. We have fulfilled our side of the contract," she said.

- AFP