Philanthropist Alberto Vilar’s fall has been startlingly rapid. “There may be an element of schadenfreude behind the speed at which Vilar has been dropped by the arts establishment: an old money distaste for new wealth. Vilar said he was public about his giving to act as an example to others; his hunger for attention rankled with some. Beverly Sills, the former chairwoman of the Met, told the New York Times: “He was not, how shall I say, quiet about his giving. I think that was a turn-off for other members of the board, the fact that he wanted attention. Meanwhile, Vilar continues to insist that everyone who is patient will be paid.”