Former director of the “Young Theater” reported on suspicion of systematic sexual violence against female students
Deputy Prosecutor General Maria Vdovichenko reported the suspicion to the former head of the theater and entertainment institution “Kyiv National Academic Young Theater” and the head of the Department of Acting and Drama Directing at the Kyiv National University of Theater, Film and Television named after I.K. Karpenko-Kary in rape and sexual violence against female students, including minors (parts 2, 3 of article 152 and parts 1, 2 of article 153 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
“Sudovo-Yurydychna Gazeta” clarifies that this refers to the former director of the “Young Theater” Andriy Bilous.
The investigation established that since 2017, the suspect, using his authority in the theater environment, his official position as a teacher and theater director, systematically forced female students to have sexual intercourse without their consent and committed sexual violence against them.
From March 2018 to April 2023, in the theater’s office premises, he repeatedly raped and committed violent acts of a sexual nature against five girls, two of whom were minors at the time. His statements and actions were aimed at completely subjugating the students.
The conclusions of forensic psychological examinations indicate that the suspect’s actions caused serious psychological trauma to the victims, caused impaired social adaptation and the need for psychological and psychiatric assistance.
Students who tried to avoid him or refused sexual harassment became victims of pressure: he ignored them during classes, publicly humiliated them, and prevented them from participating in practical classes and performances, which created the threat of expulsion and deprived them of job prospects at the Young Theater.
In addition to the victims’ testimonies, dozens of witnesses were questioned in the case. They confirmed the facts of sexualized behavior, coercion of female students to send intimate photos and correspondence on obscene topics, as well as cases of physical harassment in the theater premises. During authorized searches at the residence and workplace of the former head of the university, mobile devices and other physical evidence were seized, which are currently being verified.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. The procedural management is carried out by the Prosecutor General’s Office, the investigation is being conducted by investigators of the National Police and the Cyber Police Department. A motion for the election of a preventive measure has been prepared, and the prosecution will be represented in court by Deputy Prosecutor General Maria Vdovichenko.
