Charles Dutoit: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conductor denies allegations of sexual misconduct
The renowned conductor's been accused of 'forced physical contact' by four women
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Your support makes all the difference.Famous conductor Charles Dutoit has denied allegations of “forced physical contact” made by several women.
The Swiss-born Dutoit, who is the principal conductor for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), issued a statement following an Associated Press report detailing four accusations of harassment by operas singers, including Paula Rasmussen, and a musician.
He claimed that the accusations have “absolutely no basis in truth” and said he was taking legal advice.
Following the report, the RPO came to a mutual decision with head conductor Dutoit to cancel all of his planned appearances “for the immediate future.”
Other orchestras to have since distanced themselves from Dutoit include Boston, San Francisco and New York also.
Dutoit's statement read: “The allegations made against me are as shocking to me as they are to my friends and colleagues. I do not recognise the man or the actions being described in the media.
“Whilst informal physical contact is commonplace in the arts world as a mutual gesture of friendship, the serious accusations made involving coercion and forced physical contact have absolutely no basis in truth.”
He continued: “I believe within this current climate, media accusations on serious physical abuse do not help society tackle these issues properly if the claims are in fact not true.”
Rasmussen alleged that Dutoit “shoved” her hand down his pants as well as his tongue “down my throat.”
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The other accuses include singer Sylvia McNair whose alleged experience dates back to 1985.
Earlier this month, Metropolitan Opera conductor James Levine was suspended following allegations of harassment - something Dutoit's accusers cited as a source of confidence in coming forward with their own experiences.
The RPO said: “The immediate action taken by the RPO and Charles Dutoit allows time for a clear picture to be established. Charles Dutoit needs to be given a fair opportunity to seek legal advice and contest these accusations.”
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