"For everyone who knows Dmitrichenko, the very idea that he could have thought of and ordered this crime - committed in such a brutal manner - is absurd, " read their open letter.

BBC: Bolshoi cast defend dancer arrested over acid attack

But he maintained he had never spoken to female members of staff in the manner described and dismissed claims regarding Ms Atkinson as "absurd".

BBC: NEWS | UK | Politics | Rix 'could sue' over Aslef smears