An unknown Spanish soprano claims that the opera star attempted to kiss and touch her in the early 2000s. She told Spain’s La Sexta television channel, “One of the first things they warn you is not to ride the elevator alone with Placido Domingo.”
Placido Domingo, one of the most famous opera singers in the world, is facing new sexual harassment allegations. Three years after a series of similar claims ended his career.
The claims against Domingo, 81, were made by an unknown Spanish vocalist on a Sunday Spanish television program.
Domingo, a Spanish tenor, and baritone is best remembered for his 1990s performances alongside Luciano Pavarotti and Jose Carreras as “The Three Tenors.”
In 2020, the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) found from an inquiry that Domingo had acted inappropriately.
More than three dozen singers, dancers, musicians, voice teachers, and backstage personnel stated at the time that they had witnessed or experienced Domingo’s inappropriate behavior towards women at several opera houses over the previous three decades.
Initially, Domingo contested the investigation’s conclusions, claiming that “all of my encounters and relationships were always voluntary and consenting.
Later, he stated that he supported the women’s decision to speak out and that he was “sincerely sorry for the pain I caused them,” adding, “I take full responsibility for my conduct.”
The most recent claims were made on the Spanish television channel La Sexta, with the unnamed vocalist depicted as a dark figure.
In the early 2000s, she claims Domingo asked to touch her in a theatre in Spain. On another occasion, she claimed he attempted a kiss.
She stated, “One of the first things they warn you is not to ride the elevator alone with Placido Domingo.”
Opera singer accused of sexual assault again
She continued, “The first time I felt uneasy was during rehearsals. He [Domingo] asked me in front of everyone. “May I place my hand in one of your gorgeous pockets?” I was wearing embroidered back pockets on my pants.
“I got an upset stomach because I pondered, ‘What can I say to [Domingo] to continue normally? If I say no, there will be repercussions, but if I say yes, I don’t even want to consider it.”
She explained why she did not report Domingo to her supervisors or the authorities: “He is Domingo.” He is invulnerable. He shouldn’t be here, but I am hiding in the shadows.”
Several opera houses around the world canceled Domingo’s performances when the 2020 allegations were public.
He also resigned as general director of the Los Angeles Opera and from performances at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
No criminal action was filed over any of the claims.
Domingo stated in an interview with the Spanish daily El Mundo in January 2022 that he felt guilty in the court of public opinion due to his silence and denial of harassing anyone.
In June 2022, after a year and a half away from the limelight, Domingo gave a charity concert in Spain.
Throughout the first half of 2023, he is slated to play around the globe. And tonight he will conduct a sold-out special concert in Muscat, Oman.
