Norwich
Barry Lubin, who played Grandma the clown for decades, resigned from the Big Apple Circus this week after it was revealed he pressured a young aerialist, Zoey Dunne, into posing for sexually explicit photos in 2004. She was 16 at the time.
The incident in question took place in New York City, but Lubin also toured the Upper Valley and participated in a summer circus camp sponsored by the Norwich Recreation Department, town officials said in an announcement Friday. The photos had no connection to the camp, which is run by Ted Lawrence, an area performer and teacher known as Dr. Quark, officials said.
“Given this information, the Town of Norwich would like the greater Norwich Community to know that any Circus Camp performers, including Mr. Lubin, always are in a group situation, always are in a public place, always are under the supervision of Ted Lawrence, and are given a background check,” town leaders said in Friday’s statement.
“As such, the Town of Norwich has no reason to suspect Mr. Lubin carried out activity other than teaching proper Circus techniques during the periods he participated in the Circus Camp, nor, to the Town’s knowledge, was any complaint made regarding any inappropriate behavior.
“Despite that belief, the Town has NO intention of ever again hiring Mr. Lubin,” the announcement added.
Anyone who believes Lubin engaged in appropriate behavior locally should contact the Norwich Police Department at 802-649-1460, the announcement said.
