A state appeals court has side with the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in litigation brought by its former artistic director alleging the Arlington Heights venue is liable for employee statements he argues were defamatory. Courtesy of the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre

An Illinois appellate court has upheld a Cook County judge’s dismissal of a lawsuit claiming the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights is liable for statements employees made about the theater’s former artistic director.

Joe Keefe served as artistic director for nearly six years before his ouster in September 2021, following an investigation into accusations of verbal abuse and other misconduct.

The allegations included a letter posted on a theater website by a former Metropolis director, claiming

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