By 
The Los Angeles Opera has opened an investigation into Plácido Domingo, 78, after the Associated Press reported that multiple women have come forward to accuse the opera star of sexual harassment.
The AP reported that the women felt pressured into sexual relationships with Domingo in the 1980’s and 90’s. Seven women alleged that their careers were harmed after rebuffing his advances. In a statement, Domingo said his relationships were always consensual.
Multiple major opera venues across the country, including the San Francisco Opera, have withdrawn or canceled their invitations for his to perform. Domingo is still scheduled to perform the lead in Verdi’s “Macbeth” at the Metropolitan Opera in a month. The Metropolitan Opera has stated that it will wait to hear the conclusions from the Los Angeles Opera’s investigation before making any decisions regarding their future relationship with the opera singer.
Domingo has been married for more than 50 years, so he would have been married during the time period when these instances allegedly took place. In a statement, Domingo said, “the rules and standards by which we are — and should be — measured against today are very different than they were in the past.”
Still active in the singing world, he is also the general director of the Los Angeles Opera. Additionally, Domingo was also a conductor and creator of a prestigious opera competition. His stardom led him to hold a powerful and influential position in the opera industry.
The AP spoke to 8 singers and 1 dancer about their allegations. All, but one spoke on the condition of anonymity. The anonymous accusers told the AP that Domingo would repeatedly ask them on dates under the guise of career advise. One accuser alleged he propositioned her and groped her. Another accuser alleged he stuck his hand down her skirt. Multiple accusers told the AP that he forced wet kisses on them without their consent.
The accusers did not report Domingo at the time of the incidents.
One accuser stated to the AP, “I was totally intimidated and felt like saying no to him would be saying no to God,” she was quoted as saying. “How do you say no to God?”
A named accuser, Patricia Wulf, who alleged Domingo repeatedly propositioning her and asking her if she was going home after her performances. This went on for 2 1/2 years.
She didn’t report the behavior, despite how uncomfortable it made her, because, as the AP reported, “…she felt that doing so would damage her career.”
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