A performer who appeared naked in a show by world-renowned performance artist Marina Abramovic at New York City's Museum of Modern Art is suing the museum, alleging that it failed to take action after he was sexually assaulted multiple times by attendees during the performances nearly 14 years ago. The suit, filed in Manhattan on Monday under the New York Adult Survivors Act, claims that the museum created a hostile work environment and neglected to protect the performers from harassment.

The performer, John Bonafede, alleges that he was sexually assaulted by five public onlookers who attended a show he was hired to perform in as part of Abramovic's retrospective "The Artist Is Present." The exhibition, which took place from March 14, 2010, through May 31, 2010, featured Bonafede and another performer standing face-to-face with each other in a doorway, fully nude, silent, and still. Visitors were encouraged to pass between the performers as they moved from one gallery to the next.

According to the suit, the people who assaulted Bonafede were mostly older men, and one of them was a corporate member of the museum who was eventually expelled and had his membership revoked. During the final weeks of the exhibition, another attendee non-consensually groped Bonafede three times before being stopped by security. Bonafede reported four of the individuals to the museum staff and security immediately, while the fifth assault was witnessed by the museum security staff.

The suit also claims that Bonafede witnessed a public attendee sexually assault his female co-performer by kissing her on the mouth without her consent. Prior to the exhibition, the performers had expressed concerns about potential harassment in a letter to the museum during contract negotiations.

Despite the museum's knowledge of the issue, the lawsuit alleges that it failed to take appropriate action to protect the performers and prevent further sexual assaults. The museum did create a handbook outlining protocols for the performers to report feeling unsafe or being inappropriately touched about a month into the exhibition. However, the suit argues that the museum should have informed visitors in advance that touching was not allowed.

Bonafede agreed to continue the performance after being assaulted due to the "tough it out" culture of the exhibition. However, he claims to have suffered from emotional distress and damage to his mental health, body image, and career as a result.

The lawsuit was filed under the New York Adult Survivors Act, which suspended the usual time limit for accusers to sue. Although the law expired last year, the parties agreed to extend the window closing. Bonafede's lawyer, Jordan Fletcher, stated that they will be seeking a jury trial and compensatory damages.

Neither Marina Abramovic nor the Museum of Modern Art have commented on the lawsuit. The museum did not respond to email inquiries, and Abramovic did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The allegations against the Museum of Modern Art highlight the issue of sexual misconduct in the art world and the need for institutions to prioritize the safety and well-being of performers. Bonafede's lawsuit aims to bring attention to the importance of protecting artists and ensuring a safe environment for their work.