A settlement was finalized between a former soloist associated with the Leningrad-based ensemble Alisa Voks and director Maxim Demchenko, resolving a dispute for about half a million rubles. The agreement arrived roughly 1.5 years after media coverage brought the sex scandal into broader view. A regional news outlet reported the settlement details.
The dispute traces back to 2020, when the singer publicly alleged that Demchenko sexually harassed her during the production of the drama OBJ, asserting that he was a minor at the time of the claimed incidents. She contended that the director pressured younger actresses to participate in sexual activities, a charge Demchenko later described as unfounded and contested in court. Voks also suggested that rumors surrounding her stemmed from her exclusion from the sequel to the film.
In court, the presiding judge ruled in favor of Demchenko, ordering Voks to pay half a million rubles to the plaintiff. Public records indicate that Voks transferred the funds about a year and a half after the proceedings began, during which bailiffs reportedly seized several of the actor’s high-value vehicles.
Separately, the entertainment industry has witnessed similar disputes. In another case, actor Matthew Lawrence discussed pressure from a director who allegedly demanded that he undress for Polaroid photographs while wearing a bathrobe. Lawrence stated that the agency terminated his contract after he refused the demand, illustrating ongoing tensions around coercive behavior in film and theater. This broader pattern has sparked renewed discussions about accountability and worker protections within the industry. The coverage noted that these cases contribute to a growing emphasis on safeguarding performers and staff against inappropriate conduct.
From a wider perspective, observers in the United States and Canada follow such developments closely, tying them to ongoing conversations about workplace rights, consent, and clear reporting channels in creative fields. Legal outcomes in similar settings may influence how studios and production firms manage internal reviews, settlements, and public communications. As dialogues continue, stakeholders emphasize the importance of transparent policies, accessible avenues for complaints, and sturdy protections that help ensure a safe working environment for all participants in film and theater productions. Coverage of this case aligns with a broader media trend toward accountability and practical remedies for misconduct in the performing arts.