The Disturbing Allegations Against Benjamin Rose

Benjamin “Ben” Rose (Photo: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)

by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

CW: The following story references incidents of domestic violence against women.

This is the kind of story that makes you take a deep breath before writing.

Benjamin “Ben” Rose, the artistic director of the Indianapolis Black Theatre Company, has resigned after being charged with felony strangulation and two counts of domestic battery. The accusations, brought forward by Indianapolis artist Nasreen Khan, detail an incident where Rose allegedly strangled her, slammed her head against a door, and prevented her from leaving his home. The case is now in the hands of the legal system, but let’s be clear—this is not a “wait and see” situation.

For years, Rose was a visible leader in the Indianapolis arts community. He helped shape IBTC into a platform for Black artists, guiding productions and bringing attention to important stories. And yet, behind the scenes, there was another story unfolding—one of power and violence. This isn’t even the first time he’s been accused.

A decade ago, he faced similar domestic violence charges, pleaded guilty to criminal confinement, and was sentenced to probation. He was ordered to complete community service and domestic violence counseling, which—unsurprisingly—he failed to do. And yet, here he was, a decade later, back in a leadership role, entrusted with a position that carries weight, influence, and responsibility.

This is what happens when people don’t pay attention to the patterns. When there are no real consequences, the cycle repeats itself.

IBTC and The District Theatre acted quickly—terminating Rose’s consulting contract and distancing themselves from him. In a statement, they emphasized that his actions “don’t reflect the values of their organizations”. And that’s the right move, but it doesn’t erase the damage. A leader like this being in power for so long is a problem. It speaks to the way abusive individuals can operate unchecked in creative spaces, where we’re too often willing to overlook “personal issues” in favor of their artistic contributions.

But art is not an excuse. Community impact is not a shield. And being a talented director doesn’t mean you get a free pass to hurt people.

What’s frustrating is that it took another victim, another police report, another public reckoning for real action to happen. And while Rose resigning is the bare minimum, it doesn’t answer the bigger questions: Why wasn’t his past taken seriously before he stepped into this role? Why do we so often allow abusive men to remain in positions of influence until the damage is undeniable?

As for Nasreen Khan—she’s courageous for coming forward. It’s not easy to speak out against someone with a platform, especially in a tight-knit arts community where connections and reputations can make or break careers. But she did it anyway, and that matters.

This situation is a reminder that leadership in the arts—or anywhere—has to be about more than talent. It has to be about character. It has to be about accountability. If we want these spaces to be safe, if we want the people leading them to reflect the values they claim to uphold, then we have to stop excusing, overlooking, and tolerating behavior that hurts people.

Benjamin Rose is gone from IBTC, but this conversation isn’t over. Nor should it be.