More women make sexual harassment allegations against opera star
More woman have come forward to make sexual harassment allegations against opera star Placido Domingo.
The new allegations follow a sensational story published by the Associated Press last month.
The story detailed how the Spanish singer allegedly sexually harassed numerous women.
Furthermore, it alleged he hobbled the careers of those who rejected his advances.
The latest sexual harassment allegations against opera star
Singer Angela Wilson is one of latest women to come forward to share her story.
She had been cast in the Washington Opera’s 1999-2000 season of Jules Massenet’s “Le Cid“.
One night before a performance, while having her make up done at the same time as Domingo, Wilson says he got up out of his chair stood behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.
As she looked at him in the mirror, Domingo allegedly slipped his hands under her bra straps.
He subsequently reached down into her robe and grabbed her bare breast.
“It hurt,” she said.
“It was not gentle. He groped me hard.”
She said Domingo then turned and walked away, leaving her stunned and humiliated.
Multiple women make complaints
Wilson, who is now a college voice teacher in the Dallas area, is one of 11 women to come forward as a result of the previous AP story.
That article featured numerous accounts of sexual harassment at the hands of the the opera star.
For example:
- unwanted touching;
- persistent requests for dates;
- late-night phone calls;
- and attempts to kiss them on the lips.
Several young women said they asked backstage workers to accompany them, so they would not be left alone with Domingo.
Several people who worked in the costume department of the LA Opera said Domingo’s inappropriate behaviour was common knowledge.
Furthermore, they claim that management has been aware of it for years.
Domingo denies allegations
Nancy Selzer, Domingo’s spokesperson, issued a statement to the AP disputing the allegations:
“The ongoing campaign by the AP to denigrate Placido Domingo is not only inaccurate but unethical.
“These new claims are riddled with inconsistencies and, as with the first story, in many ways, simply incorrect.
“Due to an ongoing investigation, we will not comment on specifics, but we strongly dispute the misleading picture that the AP is attempting to paint of Mr. Domingo.”
Young hopefuls vulnerable to exploitation
Miles Heffernan from Fair Work Claims said young people wanting a career on the screen or stage are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
“There’s no business like show business when it comes to sexual harassment,” he said.
“Because young hopefuls are desperate to get their big break, they are prepared to do almost anything to make it happen, and predators take advantage of that.
“I don’t care if someone is a Hollywood producer or a world-famous opera singer or if they run the local hamburger shop, everybody should always keep their hands – and their lips – to themselves.”
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