Placido Domingo
Tenor, conductor and manager Placido Domingo, 78, has been accused of sexual harassment by 8 singers and one dancer, Associated Press reports in a very long and detailed text. According to AP « they were sexually harassed by the married, Spanish superstar in encounters that took place over three decades beginning in the late 1980s, at venues that included opera companies where he held top managerial positions. »
Of course, here the Los Angeles Opera comes into play, since Domingo is the General Manager of that opera house.
The AP also got statements from almost three dozen other singers, dancers, orchestra musicians, members of backstage staff, voice teachers and an administrator who said they witnessed inappropriate sexually tinged behaviour by Domingo.
Domingo issued a statement saying: “The allegations from these unnamed individuals dating back as many as 30 years are deeply troubling, and as presented, inaccurate. Still, it is painful to hear that I may have upset anyone or made them feel uncomfortable – no matter how long ago and despite my best intentions. I believed that all of my interactions and relationships were always welcomed and consensual. People who know me or who have worked with me know that I am not someone who would intentionally harm, offend or embarrass anyone.
However, I recognize that the rules and standards by which we are – and should be – measured against today are very different than they were in the past. I am blessed and privileged to have had a more than 50-year career in opera and will hold myself to the highest standards.”
