New York Philharmonic trumpeter sues accuser for defamation

A New York Philharmonic trumpeter has been fired after accusations of sexual misconduct by a former lover. Matthew Muckey, 40, claims the woman lied to get him dismissed from the orchestra. He has now filed a lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court. Muckey was fired in October after the woman reportedly said they had sex when she was too drunk to consent. Muckey insists their relationship was consensual and cites messages she sent him years later, praising their encounter. The woman, identified as C.S. in court documents, allegedly remembered their sexual encounters and thanked him. An investigation was launched by the Philharmonic, which included questioning Muckey. He claims he was never shown the evidence that led to his firing, which he argues is unfair. For now, he has been unable to find work after losing his position. Muckey's attorney says the accusations have severely damaged his career. This is not the first time Muckey has faced allegations. He was previously accused of misconduct in 2018 but was reinstated by an arbitrator in 2020. Muckey maintains he was "fully exonerated" then. The Philharmonic has declined to comment on the lawsuit, and the law firm handling the investigation has not responded to requests for comment.