Opera star Placido Domingo resigns from Los Angeles Opera after sexual harassment allegations
Domingo says allegations have 'created an atmosphere in which my ability to serve this company ... has been compromised'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Opera star Placido Domingo has resigned as general director of the Los Angeles Opera following multiple allegations of sexual harassment.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Domingo said the allegations have “created an atmosphere in which my ability to serve this company that I so love has been compromised.”
The company’s board of directors said in a separate statement that he performed more than 300 times in 31 different roles. Domingo has served as general director since 2003.
Last month, Domingo withdrew from a string of planned performances at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera amid allegations of sexual harassment made by multiple women.
“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 [in which he was set to sing the title role] would distract from the hard work of my colleagues both on stage and behind the scenes,” Domingo said at the time.
He added: “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.”
Nine accusers (eight dancers and a singer) came forward against Domingo in August. One of them said he had allegedly placed his hand down her skirt and three other women alleged that he had forced “wet kisses” onto their lips.
Seven of those nine women told the Associated Press (AP) that they felt their careers had been adversely impacted after allegedly rejecting Domingo’s advances.
In addition, half a dozen other women claimed to AP that suggestive interactions with Domingo had made them feel uncomfortable.
Domingo told AP in a statement at the time: “The allegations from these unnamed individuals dating back as many as thirty 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 recognise 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.”
The LA Opera announced its intention of launching an investigation into the women’s allegations thanks to outside counsel back when the allegations first emerged.
Eleven more women came forward against Domingo early in September after the August story was published.
Domingo’s spokeswoman Nancy Seltzer said at the time: “The ongoing campaign by the AP to denigrate Placido Domingo is not only inaccurate but unethical. These new claims are riddled with inconsistencies and, as with the first story, in many ways, simply incorrect. Due to an ongoing investigation, we will not comment on specifics, but we strongly dispute the misleading picture that the AP is attempting to paint of Mr Domingo.”
Three other companies – the Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Opera and Dallas Opera – had already removed Domingo from upcoming performances following the accusations.
Domingo’s departure from LA Opera raises questions about the future of his career in the US, where he has been removed or has stepped down from all of his scheduled appearances for this year and next.
He still has a busy schedule of concerts across Europe, where the reaction to the allegations has been more muted.
Additional reporting by agencies