Irish Dancing community has been rocked by accusations of sexual misconduct and competition “fixing”

A scandal caused the Irish dancing world to take a tumble Wednesday, after it was alleged that several teachers and schools have attempted to fix the competition in their favour, including through the use of sexual favours, reports theIrish Independent.

Text messages showing some of the discipline’s most prestigious instructors trying to rig contests have been handed over to Irish dancing’s top governing body, the Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha, the paper reported.

No details were given on who rigged the events or how — but in one case a dance teacher and a competition judge appeared to be exchanging sexual favours for higher scores, the paper said.

The CLRG said it has officially appointed a former Irish Court of Appeal judge to oversee an investigation into the alleged scandal, The New York Postreports.

“The process will no doubt be difficult and arduous, but this grossly unethical behaviour must be eliminated from our competitions, dance schools and governing organisations,” the CLRG said in a statement.

“An Coimisiún regards such breaches to be Gross Misconduct. Any registered member found to be engaged in such practices will be subject to due and full process under our published Disciplinary Procedures.”

According to the CLRG, the investigator will have “to oversee and supervise the immediate investigation into these matters. They will have full and open access to the resources and records of CLRG.”

One of the teachers allegedly involved in the scandal has a history of interfering with scores at competitions.

Several text messages of teachers attempting to fix competitions were allegedly handed over to the CLRG in July.

The Post reached out to the CLRG for comment.

Irish dancing was originated in the 1500s and is always performed to traditional Irish music. While not widely popular in the US, there are some schools that do teach the dance.

“We are aware of allegations against a number of members circulating on social media. Allegations without evidence are simply that – allegations,” says the CLRG.

The alleged cheating scandal comes on the heels of allegations of the Miss USA competition being rigged and the cheating scandal in the chess world.

This article was originally published by the New York Post and has been reproduced with permission.