Domingo starts US performances amid allegations

WHEN OPERA SUPERSTAR Placido Domingo appeared in Europe last month after being accused of sexual harassment by multiple women, his performances were greeted with rapturous ovations.

This week, the spotlight moves to the U.S., where Domingo faces two investigations into his behavior and is scheduled to help kick off the new season at New York’s Metropolitan Opera. Companies in three other American cities have cancelled his performances due to the allegations.

Tonight’s appearance in Macbeth marks the legendary tenor’s first performance in the US since the publication of stories in which numerous women said he sexually harassed them or engaged in other inappropriate behaviour.

Domingo has called the allegations “in many ways, simply incorrect,” without providing any specifics.

Domingo is general director of LA Opera, which has engaged outside counsel to conduct its investigation. He also is being investigated by the American Guild of Musical Artists, the union representing many opera employees.

The Met has said it will wait for the results of the LA Opera investigation before deciding on any action against Domingo, who is scheduled to perform at the storied opera house seven times this season.

None of Domingo’s upcoming performances in Europe have been cancelled; he has a busy fall lineup of operas and concerts in Switzerland, Russia, Austria, Germany, Spain, Italy and Poland.