The Art Institute of Chicago’s director was detained in Germany last month after drunkenly stripping naked on a United Airlines flight — but will now return to his high-paying post following an internal investigation.
James Rondeau is set to return to work on Monday after the humiliating April 18 incident forced him to take a voluntary leave from the nationally renowned museum — where he pulls in over $1 million a year.
“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.
“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.”
Rondeau was flying from Chicago to Munich when he was taken into custody upon landing for reportedly disrobing mid-flight after consuming alcohol and prescription medication.
The shameful episode prompted the museum — where Rondeau is the highest-paid employee — to launch an independent probe during his self-imposed absence, the outlet reported.
Despite the scandal, museum officials said they are confident he can carry on leading the institution.
“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 told the outlet.
Rondeau was appointed to his role in 2016, according to the institute’s website.
He joined the museum — which features about 300,000 pieces of art — in 1998 as an associate curator.
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