Careless wording on an ABC news headline linked Sydney Dance Company to RG Dance Studio, the school involved in the child molestation scandal.
RG Dance Studio in Chiswick, Sydney, has closed suddenly, following allegations that its director, Grant Davies, had been grooming at least two young girls for sex, one with the acquiescence of her mother, as well as abusing a 12 year old boy.
He has also been accused of taking photos of naked children, possessing child pornography, and other forms of criminal sexual contact with his students. He was arrested and charged at Burwood Court on May 21 and has been refused bail.
ABC on line news reports used headlines stating “Sydney dance company closes after founder charged”, leading to a flood of phone calls to Sydney Dance Company, prompting it to issue a news release to clarify the matter and request an apology from the ABC .
Executive Director Anne Dunn says, “We are anticipating an apology from the ABC this morning, for their unfortunate choice of language around this sensitive matter. There is no connection between Sydney Dance Company and RG Dance Studio in Sydney’s inner-west, whose founder is currently under investigation.”
For one version of the story click here.