Beijing Symphony Orchestra (BSO) fired Russian chief cellist, Oleg Vedernikov, 46, over what they called insulting conduct while he was a passenger on a train, the BSO stated Monday.
This orchestra had suspended the cellist on Friday.
"Vedernikov's behavior has severely tarnished the reputation of the BSO, and we decided to expel him in accordance with his employment contract and rules of the orchestra," the BSO told people.com.cn Monday.
Public anger was inflamed after a four-minute Weibo video was uploaded to the news portal Sina showing Vedernikov with his bare feet on the headrest of the seat in front of him. The video showed him steadfastly refusing to remove his feet even after a woman passenger vehemently complained.
The cellist can also be heard swearing at the women in Chinese.
Vedernikov was taking the train from Shenyang, Northeast China's Liaoning Province, last Monday.
Xinhua - Global Times