Cirque du Soleil, creator of many of the most popular shows in Las Vegas, has temporarily laid off 4,679 employees, or 95 percent of its global workforce, after suspending 44 shows worldwide because of the coronavirus outbreak. "We’re deeply saddened by the dramatic measures taken today, as the temporary layoff includes many hardworking, dedicated people.
Unfortunately, this decision is our only option as we are forced to position ourselves to weather this storm and prepare for eventual re-openings," Daniel Lamarre, president and CEO of the Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, said in a statement.
The Montreal-based company said the coronavirus pandemic had forced the closure of its shows in cities and countries worldwide where local.