It has been reported today by the Associated Press that eight female singers and a dancer have come forward making claims that they were subjected to unwanted sexual advances by Spanish opera singer and conductor Plácido Domingo whilst head of the Los Angeles Opera in the 1980’s and 1990s.
The women, eight who have remained anonymous, have said the now 78-year-old has long been known to offer jobs to get women into sexual relationships – and would punish those professionally who refused his advances.
“Somebody trying to hold your hand during a business lunch is strange … or putting their hand on your knee is a little strange … he was always touching you in some way – and always kissing you …” one of the accusers told the Associated Press.
“I was totally intimidated and felt like saying ‘no’ to him would be saying no to God … how do you say no to God?” she has said.
The Associated Press’ extensive investigation, involved interviews with more than 30 singers, dancers, orchestral musicians and backstage staff, who all said that they had personally witnessed inappropriate sexual behavior by the Spanish opera star.
“The allegations from these unnamed individuals dating back as many as thirty years are deeply troubling, and as presented, inaccurate …” Plácido Domingo has today said in a statement.
‘Still, it is painful to hear that I may have upset anyone or made them feel uncomfortable … I believed that all of my interactions and relationships were always welcomed and consensual …” he has said.
“People who know me or who have worked with me know that I am not someone who would intentionally harm, offend, or embarrass anyone.”
Regarded as one of the greatest opera singers of all time, Plácido Domingo served as an artistic consultant to the Los Angles Opera in the 1980s – and his collaboration in the ‘Three Tenors‘, with the late Luciano Pavarotti and Jose Carreras, produced the best-selling classical recording of all time.
