Two days after apologizing for sexual harassment allegations, opera star Placido Domingo has walked back his statement. “My apology was sincere and wholehearted,” he said. “But I know what I haven’t done, and I will deny it again.”
The reversal occurred as European opera houses were questioning whether Domingo should still appear at performances he has scheduled through summer, according to the New York Times. “I have never behaved aggressively toward anybody, nor have I ever done anything to obstruct or hurt the career of anybody,” he added. “On the contrary, I have dedicated a large part of my half-century in the world of opera to helping the industry and to promoting the career of innumerable singers.”
He released the new statement just before the executive committee of Teatro Real, an opera house in Madrid, was planning to meet about the Spanish singer and conductor’s upcoming performances in La Traviata in May. Domingo withdrew from the role, claiming it was: “To prevent my situation from affecting, harming or causing any additional inconvenience.”
It was originally reported by the Associated Press in August 2019 that nine women had come forward accusing Domingo of sexual harassment that dated back to the Eighties, including flirtatious comments, late-night phone calls and unwanted advances. By September, 11 more women came forward, and Domingo — who made his opera debut in 1961 — withdrew from upcoming performances at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
(Excerpt) Read more in: Rolling Stone