Opera Star Plácido Domingo Facing Probes Into Sexual Harassment Allegations

Placido Domino (Photo credit: s_bukley/Shutterstock.com)

Soon after multiple women alleged to the AP that opera star PLÁCIDO DOMINGO sexually harassed them multiple times over the course of three decades, the L.A. OPERA -- which DOMINGO has led for nearly 20 years -- has initiated an investigation into his conduct, NPR reports. What's more, THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA has also rescinded a performance invitation for DOMINGO to open its new season. 

What's more, MUSIC BUSINESS WORLDWIDE reports that the THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE PHONOGRAPHIC INDUSTRY (IFPI) has started its own investigation. "We have only now become aware of the serious allegations that have been reported in the media against IFPI’s Honorary Chairman, PLÁCIDO DOMINGO," an IFPI spokesperson said. "A formal inquiry will be undertaken. [The] IFPI firmly believes that sexual harassment in any form cannot be tolerated.”

The nine accusers -- eight singers and a dancer -- told the AP that beginning in the 1980s, DOMINGO tried to pressure them into sexual relationships by offering them jobs and opportunities in the highly competitive art form. And in some cases, DOMINGO exacted career retribution against them when they refused him.

The AP has also spoken to six other women who said DOMINGO's actions made them feel "uncomfortable" and "almost three dozen other singers, dancers, orchestra musicians, members of backstage staff, voice teachers and an administrator who said they witnessed inappropriate sexually tinged behavior by DOMINGO and that he pursued younger women with impunity."

The L.A. OPERA has hired outside counsel to investigate the allegations. "We believe all employees and artists should be treated respectfully and feel safe and secure within their work environment," it said as part of a statement sent to NPR. "PLÁCIDO DOMINGO has been a dynamic creative force in the life of L.A. 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."

"The allegations from these unnamed individuals dating back as many as 30 years are deeply troubling, and as presented, inaccurate," DOMINGO said in his own statement to NPR.

Although most of the women came forward anonymously, former mezzo-soprano PATRICIA WULF did go public with her story. WULF sang with DOMINGO at the WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA (WNO), where he was the artistic director until 2011.

"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," DOMINGO's statement to NPR continued. "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 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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