The Art Institute of Chicago Director to Return to High-Paying Post After Drunken Plane Incident
The director of The Art Institute of Chicago, James Rondeau, who was detained in Germany last month after stripping naked on a United Airlines flight, is set to return to his high-paying post following an internal investigation.
Rondeau, who earns over $1 million a year, voluntarily took a leave from the nationally renowned museum after the humiliating incident on April 18.
“I deeply regret this incident and the impact it has had on the museum and me and on my colleagues,” Rondeau said in a statement to CBS News.
Despite the scandal, museum officials expressed confidence in Rondeau’s ability to continue leading the institution.
Rondeau was flying from Chicago to Munich when he was taken into custody for reportedly disrobing mid-flight after consuming alcohol and prescription medication.
The museum launched an independent probe during his absence, with Rondeau being the highest-paid employee.
“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 spokesperson for the institution stated.
Rondeau was appointed to his role in 2016 and has been with the museum since 1998, starting as an associate curator.
