The artistic director of the national theatre will remain in his post despite criticising the theatre's board in an email, it emerged tonight.
Mr Ben Barnes today apologised to the board of the Abbey at an emergency meeting to discuss last Thursday's email.
In the email to international arts colleagues, Mr Barnes claimed he had been used as a "scapegoat" for problems he wasn't responsible for.
He also described a no confidence motion tabled by shareholders at last week's EGM as "a disgraceful attempt" to remove him from his post.
But today Mr Barnes told Abbey board members that he regretted any damage he had caused to the theatre and they allowed him to remain in his position.
A statement from the Abbey said: "Mr Barnes offered an apology to the Board in relation to an email sent by him on 9th September to a number of senior artistic friends and colleagues abroad.
"Following frank and detailed discussions with the board, Mr Barnes confirmed that he did not wish to maintain any criticisms of the board and/or the advisory council contained in the email, and expressed his deep regret at any unintentional damage it may have caused to the theatre."
"He reasserted his commitment to continue to work in the interests of the Abbey Theatre for the remainder of his contract and the board has accepted his assurances.
The statement added that neither the board nor Mr Barnes would be making any further comment on the matter.
PA