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.
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