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Plácido Domingo has resigned from his role as general director of Los Angeles Opera (LA Opera), as allegations of historical misconduct gather pace. The singer and conductor also cancelled his appearance at the New York Metropolitan Opera (The Met) and appears to have ended ties with the organisation, bringing to an end a relationship between the star singer and the venue that goes back over half a century.
When accusations of sexual harassment against the Spanish tenor/baritone first appeared in the Associated Press (AP) in late August, LA Opera announced that it would undertake its own independent
Since the initial report, a total of 20 women have now accused Domingo
investigation, without suspending Domingo. While that investigation is still underway, Domingo has said that he felt he needed to leave LA Opera in order to protect the future of the company, which he helped set up in 2003.
Since the allegations surfaced, several organisations have sought to distance themselves from Domingo, with Philadelphia Orchestra and San Francisco Opera quickly cancelling bookings.
The Met, however, seemed to honour its long-standing collaboration, stating that it would await the results of investigations elsewhere before taking action.
But just 24 hours before the singer was due to appear in the title role of
Verdi’s Macbeth, the Met announced that Domingo had agreed to stand down from both this and future productions.
Domingo himself, who denies all allegations, then seemed to suggest in his own statement that his relationship with the Met was over for good. ‘I made my debut at the Metropolitan Opera at the age of 27 and have sung at this magnificent theatre for 51 consecutive, glorious years,’ he told the New York Times. ‘While I strongly dispute recent allegations made about me and I am concerned about a climate in which people are condemned without due process, upon reflection, I believe that my appearance in this production of Macbeth would distract from the hard work of my colleagues both on stage and behind the scenes.
‘As a result, I have asked to withdraw and I thank the leadership of the Met for graciously granting my request. I am happy that, at the age of 78, I was able to sing the wonderful title role in the dress rehearsal of Macbeth, which I consider my last performance on the Met stage.’ Serbian baritone eljko Lu i replaced Domingo for the opera’s run of three performances.
Since the initial AP report, a total of 20 women have now accused Domingo of inappropriate behaviour, dating back to the 1980s. He denies all the claims and referred to the allegations as ‘deeply troubling and, as presented, inaccurate’. At the time of writing only two women have agreed to be named: singers Patricia Wulf and Angela Turner Wilson.
Domingo is due to return to London’s Royal Opera House in June 2020.