After being accused of sexual harassment by several women, Plácido Domingo left the New York Metropolitan Opera one day before a scheduled performance. He has asked the opera management to release him from his duties and will no longer appear at the Met, Domingo said in a statement to the New York Times ("NYT"). The opera confirmed Domingo's withdrawal.
On Wednesday evening Domingo should have been back in a "Macbeth" performance on the Met stage for the first time since the allegations were made public; it is the premiere evening of the performance. That's why there had been a stir behind the scenes in advance.
In the statement, Domingo now loudly writes "NYT", he rejects the allegations against him while back; he was also worried about the social climate in which people are sentenced without adequate process. But he had come to the conclusion that his appearance in the "Macbeth" performance would distract from the hard work of his colleagues on and behind the stage. "That's why I asked for my retreat, and I thank the Met management for graciously completing my request."
Breaking News: Plácido Domingo, one of opera's biggest stars, withdrew from "Macbeth" at the Metropolitan Opera following allegations of sexual harassmenthttps: //t.co/WTKBl8NH1W
- The New York Times (@nytimes) September 24, 2019On the other hand, the opera house's message sounds like Domingo has been asked to retire. He has "agreed to withdraw from all future productions at the Met as of now," quoted the "NYT" from the statement.
Several singers had accused Domingo in the course of the "MeToo" movement against sexist and sexually violent behavior of influential men some decades ago assaults. Some operas and orchestras then canceled performances by Domingo. Others continue to cling to the Spanish singer.
