Latest news with #Rondeau
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Chicago museum director stripped mid-air after booze and pills, but still has his million-dollar role
The Art Institute of Chicago's director, James Rondeau, is set to return to his position Monday after being temporarily sidelined due to a bizarre and embarrassing incident on an international flight that saw him reportedly strip naked mid-air. Rondeau, who earns more than $1 million annually as the museum's highest-paid employee, was detained by German authorities on April 18 upon landing in Munich. According to reports, he became intoxicated after consuming alcohol and prescription medication, eventually disrobing in-flight aboard a United Airlines flight from Chicago. The 55-year-old museum chief was taken into custody by German police after the plane touched down, sparking an internal crisis at one of the nation's most respected art institutions. Rondeau later took a voluntary leave of absence while the museum launched an independent investigation into the incident. 'I deeply regret this incident' In a statement released through CBS News, Rondeau expressed remorse for the ordeal, "I deeply regret this incident and the impact it has had on the museum and me and on my colleagues. I have dedicated the past 27 years of my professional career to the Art Institute and I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue furthering its mission." Despite the public embarrassment, the Art Institute has decided to reinstate Rondeau, citing confidence in his leadership. Museum backs director's return "Board leadership of the Art Institute of Chicago has conducted an independent investigation of this incident and is confident in James Rondeau's leadership and ability to continue as the president and director of the museum," a museum spokesperson told CBS News. Rondeau has been with the Art Institute since 1998, when he began as an associate curator. He was appointed president and director in 2016, overseeing the museum's vast collection of more than 300,000 artworks.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
President of Art Institute of Chicago on leave after alleged incident on United Airlines flight
CHICAGO (WGN) – The president of the Art Institute of Chicago is on voluntary leave from the museum after an alleged incident on a United Airlines flight last month. On Friday, April 18, James Rondeau flew from Chicago to Germany. When the plane landed in Munich, police were called after he had allegedly taken off his clothes, CBS News first reported. Sources for the outlet claimed the incident occurred after Rondeau took prescription medication and drank alcohol. A spokeswoman for the Art Institute confirmed the report and issued the following statement to Nexstar's WGN: 'The Art Institute takes this very seriously and has opened an independent investigation into the incident to gather all available information. And to clarify, James will voluntarily be taking time way from the office while the investigation is completed.' 2 people, a dog dead after small plane crashes in Los Angeles-area neighborhood The Art Institute of Chicago was established in 1879 and houses such works as Edward Hopper's 'Nighthawks,' Grant Wood's 'American Gothic,' and Georges Seurats' 'A Sunday at La Grande Jatte.' Rondeau has been the president and director of the museum since 2016, according to its official website. Both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune estimate his annual salary at over $1 million, citing recent tax records. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Yahoo
Art Institute of Chicago president accused of stripping off during United Airlines flight
The president of the Art Institute of Chicago has taken voluntary leave following reports of an incident during which he stripped off his clothes while on an international flight. James Rondeau, the Art Institute's president and director since 2016, was accused of strange behavior on a United Airlines aircraft on April 18. Rondeau had been on the way to Munich, Germany. According to CBS News, which first reported the incident, he had been drinking alcohol after taking prescription medication. He was arrested after the plane landed. In a statement shared with The Independent, a spokesperson said: 'The Art Institute takes this very seriously and has opened an independent investigation into the incident to gather all available information. 'James will voluntarily be taking time away from the office while the investigation is completed.' Art Institute officials said Rondeau has since returned to Chicago, and the leadership team will soon meet to 'determine the next steps." As president of the Art Institute, Rondeau's salary is more than $1 million a year. The institute employs around 600 people and plays host to such world-renowned works as Edward Hopper's 'Nighthawks' and 'The Bedroom' by Vincent Van Gogh. Founded in 1879, the institute has an operating budget of $120 million. Since his appointment in 2016, Rondeau has been a proponent of bringing more works by female artists and artists of color into the collection. 'This variety and balance is core to our mission. We are able to leverage more established names while introducing new work and providing a more expansive view about contemporary art,' he told The New York Times in 2022. The alleged incident occurred on United Airlines Flight 953 from Chicago to Munich on April 18. Police were called to the plane following reports of a passenger stripping off his clothes. Sources confirmed to CBS that the passenger in question was Rondeau. A spokesperson for United Airlines told The Independent they had no further comment. Founded in 1879, the Art Institute is one of the most prestigious museums in the U.S. It has an operating budget of $120 million and a full-time staff of about 600.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Yahoo
Art Institute of Chicago president accused of stripping off during United Airlines flight
The president of the Art Institute of Chicago has taken voluntary leave following reports of an incident during which he stripped off his clothes while on an international flight. James Rondeau, the Art Institute's president and director since 2016, was accused of strange behavior on a United Airlines aircraft on April 18. Rondeau had been on the way to Munich, Germany. According to CBS News, which first reported the incident, he had been drinking alcohol after taking prescription medication. He was arrested after the plane landed. In a statement shared with The Independent, a spokesperson said: 'The Art Institute takes this very seriously and has opened an independent investigation into the incident to gather all available information. 'James will voluntarily be taking time away from the office while the investigation is completed.' Art Institute officials said Rondeau has since returned to Chicago, and the leadership team will soon meet to 'determine the next steps." As president of the Art Institute, Rondeau's salary is more than $1 million a year. The institute employs around 600 people and plays host to such world-renowned works as Edward Hopper's 'Nighthawks' and 'The Bedroom' by Vincent Van Gogh. Founded in 1879, the institute has an operating budget of $120 million. Since his appointment in 2016, Rondeau has been a proponent of bringing more works by female artists and artists of color into the collection. 'This variety and balance is core to our mission. We are able to leverage more established names while introducing new work and providing a more expansive view about contemporary art,' he told The New York Times in 2022. The alleged incident occurred on United Airlines Flight 953 from Chicago to Munich on April 18. Police were called to the plane following reports of a passenger stripping off his clothes. Sources confirmed to CBS that the passenger in question was Rondeau. A spokesperson for United Airlines told The Independent they had no further comment. Founded in 1879, the Art Institute is one of the most prestigious museums in the U.S. It has an operating budget of $120 million and a full-time staff of about 600.
The Independent
04-05-2025
- The Independent
Art Institute of Chicago president accused of stripping off during United Airlines flight
The president of the Art Institute of Chicago has taken voluntary leave following reports of an incident during which he stripped off his clothes while on an international flight. James Rondeau, the Art Institute's president and director since 2016, was accused of strange behavior on a United Airlines aircraft on April 18. Rondeau had been on the way to Munich, Germany. According to CBS News, which first reported the incident, he had been drinking alcohol after taking prescription medication. He was arrested after the plane landed. In a statement shared with The Independent, a spokesperson said: 'The Art Institute takes this very seriously and has opened an independent investigation into the incident to gather all available information. 'James will voluntarily be taking time away from the office while the investigation is completed.' Art Institute officials said Rondeau has since returned to Chicago, and the leadership team will soon meet to 'determine the next steps." As president of the Art Institute, Rondeau's salary is more than $1 million a year. The institute employs around 600 people and plays host to such world-renowned works as Edward Hopper's 'Nighthawks' and 'The Bedroom' by Vincent Van Gogh. Founded in 1879, the institute has an operating budget of $120 million. Since his appointment in 2016, Rondeau has been a proponent of bringing more works by female artists and artists of color into the collection. 'This variety and balance is core to our mission. We are able to leverage more established names while introducing new work and providing a more expansive view about contemporary art,' he told The New York Times in 2022. The alleged incident occurred on United Airlines Flight 953 from Chicago to Munich on April 18. Police were called to the plane following reports of a passenger stripping off his clothes. Sources confirmed to CBS that the passenger in question was Rondeau. A spokesperson for United Airlines told The Independent they had no further comment. Founded in 1879, the Art Institute is one of the most prestigious museums in the U.S. It has an operating budget of $120 million and a full-time staff of about 600.
