Dusty Button, a former Boston ballerina, and her husband, who have been accused of sexually abuse in the past, are facing fresh allegations from three women, who came forward to accuse them of sexual assault. 

The original lawsuit, brought by two Boston Ballet dancers, named only Mitchell Taylor Button as a defendant. The dancers accused Mitchell of exploiting his “position of power and influence in the dance world” to sexually abuse them. They also accused him of manipulation and grooming. 

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One of the victims claimed that on one occasion, Dusty allegedly held her down while Mitchell proceeded to rape her. The other victim alleged that when she was 13, Mitchell sexually assaulted her on two occasions. She also claimed that Mitchell would send her sexually explicit photos and videos.

The expanded lawsuit adds three new plaintiffs, who have also accused Dusty Button of sexual abuse. They alleged that Mitchell sexually assaulted them and at times, Dusty Button joined him.  One of them them alleged that she was a minor when the Buttons sexually assaulted her in 2014. She alleged that the couple allegedly gave her alcohol, took her to “a room that had a mattress on the floor and an arsenal of guns hanging on the wall” and raped her. 

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Sigrid McCawley, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, told the Boston Globe, “What you have here is the highest level of betrayal.”

“You see the use of a famous female ballerina to coax these victims into a situation where they become prey for this serial abuser,” McCawley added. 

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Meanwhile, the Boston Ballet issued a statement saying, “Boston Ballet supports Sage Humphries who is bravely coming forward, sharing her experience to protect others, and seeking accountability and justice. The Ballet will continue to do everything in its power to create and promote a safe and supportive culture for its students, dancers, staff and community.”