STATEMENT FROM THE BOSTON HERALD

    The New York Times reported yesterday that Boston Ballet has asked the
Boston Herald to retract a portion of its Dec. 29 story on the announced
departure in June 2001 of Anna Marie Holmes as artistic director.
    In the story, Herald dance writer Christie Taylor reported that when
she asked Holmes and Ballet general director and CEO Jeffrey Babcock, in a
joint interview, if Holmes was fired, Babcock shook his head no but Holmes
nodded her head yes.
    The Ballet asked for a retraction on Dec. 30, saying Holmes was not
fired. The Herald said it would consider the request but asked for a
follow-up, in-person interview with Holmes for clarification. The Herald's
request, initially approved by Holmes, was subsequently denied by the Ballet.
    The Herald stands by its story.