Media Coverage: Matt Curtis Discusses the Interlochen Investigation

Interlochen Sexual Abuse Lawsuit: Decades of Alleged Abuse at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan

A recently released investigation report detailing decades of alleged sexual abuse at Interlochen Center for the Arts has sparked important conversations about institutional accountability and the legal rights available to survivors of sexual abuse.

Matt Curtis, a senior shareholder at Sommers Schwartz, represents survivors of sexual abuse and has handled complex litigation involving schools, youth organizations, religious institutions, and other organizations entrusted with children’s safety. As news of the Interlochen investigation continues to develop, Matt has been interviewed by the media to explain the legal issues surrounding these cases and what survivors should know about their rights.

This page will be updated as additional interviews and commentary become available.

• Michigan students say Jeffrey Epstein was part of a culture of sexual abuse at Interlochen — NPR — 8/10/26
• What’s Next For Interlochen Abuse Investigations? — The Ticker — 8/11/26
• ‘You just bury it’: Interlochen abuse survivor says he was ignored trying to report it — ClickOnDetroit — 8/4/26
• Interlochen Arts Center investigation details sexual misconduct and Jeffrey Epstein connection – CBS News Detroit – 7/29/26 
•  Attorney: Law Needed Allowing Interlochen Abuse Victims to Sue – The Detroit News – Beth LeBlanc – 7/29/26 
• Legislation Could Expand Statute of Limitations for Interlochen Abuse Survivors – WZZM 13 – Staff – 7/30/26 
• Interlochen Alumni Speak Out After Report Details Decades of Abuse – Detroit Free Press – Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press – 7/31/26 
• Report Alleges Decades of Sexual Abuse at Interlochen Arts Camp – FOX 2 Detroit – Amy Lange – 7/29/26 
• Interlochen Report Details Decades of Alleged Sexual Misconduct, Names Jeffrey Epstein – ClickOnDetroit– Amaya Kuznicki and Jacob Nagel – 7/29/26 
• New Report Identifies 47 Abusers and 70 Victims at Interlochen – WJR – Focus w/ Paul W. Smith – 7/30/26 

He emphasized that survivors who are ready should consider speaking with counsel to understand their options, the confidentiality protections available to them, and the timelines that may apply under Michigan law.

What Did the Independent Investigation Into Abuse at Interlochen Find?
Firsthand accounts of abuse at Interlochen date from the 1950s through the 2010s, with most incidents alleged to have occurred before 2000. Jeffrey Epstein was named in the investigation’s report in connection with allegations of misconduct at Interlochen, though he was investigated separately from the 47 affiliated adults (faculty, staff, and administrators) identified in the report’s primary findings.

According to reports on the investigation, Epstein was a donor to Interlochen from roughly 1990 to 2003, and at least two alumnae have alleged he engaged in unwanted sexual contact with them during that period. One alumna reportedly said that Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, paid their tuition at Interlochen, then withdrew their financial support for subsequent schooling after they did not comply with their requests.

Read the full report here.

What Does the Interlochen Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Allege?
The complaint contends that adults affiliated with Interlochen groomed and abused students, and that leadership failed to implement or enforce basic safeguarding measures. The filing asserts claims such as:

• Negligence
• Negligent hiring
• Retention and supervision
• Failure to properly investigate or act on warnings 

These are allegations, not findings. Interlochen and any named defendants will have an opportunity to respond, and the court will determine the facts based on evidence presented through the legal process.

Why Does This Interlochen Abuse Lawsuit Matter for Michigan Survivors?
For many survivors, litigation can be a path to accountability, transparency, and reform. Lawsuits can compel disclosure of institutional records, require sworn testimony from decision-makers, and prompt improvements to policies, training, and reporting systems. Public reporting by outlets such as the Detroit Free Press, along with interviews by attorneys working with survivors, can help identify additional witnesses and encourage others to come forward.

If you believe you were harmed or have information to share, consider:

• Writing down what you remember, including names, approximate dates or timeframes, and locations. 
• Preserve any written correspondence, including emails, letters, messages, journals, or photographs that might support your account. 
• Start a confidential consultation with an Interlochen, MI attorney. At Sommers Schwartz, our team can help you understand your options, how to protect your identity in filings where appropriate, and what to expect during the claim process. 
• Protective orders and anonymized court filings are often available, subject to court approval, to help safeguard privacy.

If you are unsure whether a deadline applies to your situation, an attorney can review the specifics and advise you on the next steps. To read the full report, click here. 

How Can Sommers Schwartz, P.C. Help Interlochen Abuse Survivors in Michigan?
The Interlochen lawsuit reflects the plaintiffs’ assertions. Interlochen and any other defendants named in the complaint will have the opportunity to respond. No court has made findings on liability at this stage. The facts will be determined through the legal process.

Sommers Schwartz represents survivors in complex institutional abuse matters and offers confidential consultations to discuss potential claims and resources for support. If you or someone you know was affected, speak with our team directly by calling (248) 355-0300 or fill out an online form today.