Iconic Metropolitan Opera figure fired over sex abuse claims
NEW YORK — James Levine, whose 46-year career at the Metropolitan Opera established him as a towering figure in classical music, was fired by the company on Monday after an investigation found evidence of sexual abuse and harassment.
Levine made his Met debut in 1971 and became one of the signature artists in the company’s 135year history, conducting 2,552 performances and ruling over its repertoire, orchestra and singers as artistic director from 1976 until he stepped down two years ago due to Parkinson’s disease. He became music director emeritus but was suspended on Dec. 3 after accounts in the New York Post and the New York Times of sexual misconduct dating to the 1960s.
The Met hired former U.S. Attorney Robert J. Cleary to head its investigation. More than 70 people were interviewed.
“The investigation uncovered credible evidence that Mr. Levine had engaged in sexually abusive and harassing conduct both before and during the period when he worked at the Met,” the company said in a statement. “The investigation also uncovered credible evidence that Mr. Levine engaged in sexually abusive and harassing conduct towards vulnerable artists in the early stages of their careers, over whom Mr. Levine had authority. In light of these findings, the Met concludes that it would be inappropriate and impossible for Mr. Levine to continue to work at the Met.”
The Met did not release specifics of the evidence.
Tim Fox of Columbia Artists, who represents the 74-year-old conductor, did not respond to an email seeking comment.
Levine has not been charged with any criminal offense. The Lake County state’s attorney’s office in Illinois said in December it investigated a sexual abuse allegation of misconduct dating to the 1980s but concluded “no criminal charges can be brought” and cited multiple factors, including “the relevant age of consent in Illinois at the time of the alleged incidents.”
After the death of Leonard Bernstein in 1990, Levine was regarded as the top American conductor and was given a starring role in the film “Fantasia 2000.”