Singer Placido Domingo Faces Sex Harassment Accusations

Placido Domingo

The Philadelphia Orchestra and the San Francisco Opera yesterday canceled upcoming performances featuring legendary opera tenor Placido Domingo after the Associated Press reported that numerous women had accused him of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior over decades.

The Los Angeles Opera, where Domingo has been general director since 2003 and previously was artistic director, said it would also launch an investigation.

Some of the accusers said the now 78-year-old Domingo used his power at the L.A. Opera and in the larger opera world to try to pressure them into sexual relationships, with several saying he'd suggest jobs could be had and punished them if they refused.

More than three dozen people in the opera world told AP that Domingo's behavior had long been an open secret. Domingo said in a statement that the allegations were, quote, "deeply troubling and, as presented, inaccurate." He added, "I believed that all of my interactions and relationships were always welcomed and consensual."