Placido Domingo: Opera star apologises to women after string of sexual harassment claims
Opera star Plácido Domingo has apologised after more than two dozen people stepped forward with claims that they were either sexually harassed by him or witnessed his abuses of power.
This comes after an investigation by the US union representing opera performers concluded that the accounts from 27 people showed a clear pattern of sexual misconduct and abuse of power by Domingo spanning at least two decades.
In response to the accusations, Domingo issued a statement saying: “I have taken time over the last several months to reflect on the allegations that various colleagues of mine have made against me.
“I respect that these women finally felt comfortable enough to speak out, and I want them to know that I am truly sorry for the hurt that I caused them.
“I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I have grown from this experience.”
The investigation found that the allegations included unsolicited physical touching that ranged from kisses on the mouth to groping and late-night phone calls in which Domingo asked women to come to his residence. It's also alleged that he invited women to go out with him socially with such persistence that some felt they were being stalked.
According to people familiar with the investigation, two of the women claimed they had sexual relations with Domingo, saying they felt compelled to submit because of his position of authority and potential to damage their careers.
In the rest of his statement, Domingo said, “I understand now that some women may have feared expressing themselves honestly because of a concern that their careers would be adversely affected if they did so. While that was never my intention, no one should ever be made to feel that way.
“I am committed to affecting positive change in the opera industry so that no one else has to have that same experience. It is my fervent wish that the result will be a safer place to work for all in the opera industry, and I hope that my example moving forward will encourage others to follow.”
Domingo has been one of the opera’s most beloved and successful figures, admired as an ambassador for the art form and valued for his enduring talent and ability to attract sellout crowds in an era of diminishing ticket sales.
He also was a prolific conductor and powerful administrator, which his accusers said gave him the power to make or break careers and behave with impunity.
Additional reporting by AP
