Los Angeles Opera Investigating Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Placido Domingo – Update

Peter White

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UPDATED, 12:55 PM: The fallout has begun following allegations of sexual harassment by nine women against opera singer Placido Domingo. The Los Angeles Opera, where Domingo has served as General Director since 2003, has released a written statement in response, saying it will “Investigate the concerning allegations”.

“We believe all employees and artists should be treated respectfully and feel safe and secure within their work environment. LA Opera has robust human resources policies and procedures in place. In accordance with those policies, LA Opera will engage outside counsel to investigate the concerning allegations about Plácido Domingo, the organization said in the statement. “Plácido Domingo has been a dynamic creative force in the life of LA Opera and the artistic culture of Los Angeles for more than three decades. Nevertheless, we are committed to doing everything we can to foster a professional and collaborative environment where all our employees and artists feel equally comfortable, valued and respected.”

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Additionally, the Philadelphia Orchestra has rescinded an invitation for Domingo to perform with the orchestra in its opening night concert in September.

In a lengthy statement, Domingo told the Associated Press, which broke the story, that the accounts were “inaccurate.”

PREVIOUS, 1:37 AM: Opera singer Placido Domingo has been accused of sexually harassing nine women over thirty years, claims that he denies.

The report, which was broken by the Associated Press, alleges that eight singers and a dancer said that they had been harassed by Domingo, who is the director of the Los Angeles Opera, including one who said that he “stuck his hand down her skirt” and others who claim that he “forced wet kisses on their lips”.

Domingo, who exec produced 1998 Mexican film The Other Conquest and was a voice star of Disney’s Beverly Hills Chihuahua, has denied the claims.

“The allegations from these unnamed individuals dating back as many as thirty years are deeply troubling, and as presented, inaccurate,” he told the AP.

“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,” he added. “However, I recognize 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.”

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