Domingo withdraws from Metropolitan Opera performances amid harassment allegations

Plácido Domingo on Tuesday agreed to withdraw from a slate of performances at the Metropolitan Opera following allegations of sexual harassment by multiple women, The Associated Press reported.

Domingo had been scheduled to perform Verdi’s “Macbeth” on Wednesday night, which would have been his first show in the U.S. since the allegations surfaced.

{mosads}The allegations, first reported by the AP, span decades and begin in the 1980s, with the accusers saying Domingo used his position as general director at the LA Opera to both offer women career advancement in exchange for sex and punish those who rebuffed him, as well as subjecting them to unwanted touching and kissing.

The LA Opera and American Guild of Musical Artists, the union that represents various opera staff, are both in the midst of investigations into the allegations.

Domingo issued a statement Tuesday saying that his career at the Met is now over.

“I made my debut at the Metropolitan Opera at the age of 27 and have sung at this magnificent theater for 51 consecutive, glorious years,” the star said in the statement obtained by AP.

“While I strongly dispute recent allegations made about me, and I am concerned about a climate in which people are condemned without due process, upon reflection, I believe that my appearance in this production of ‘Macbeth’ would distract from the hard work of my colleagues both on stage and behind the scenes.”

“As a result, I have asked to withdraw,” he added, “and I thank the leadership of the Met for graciously granting my request.”