Content Warning: This article discusses sexual assault. If you or someone you know are affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

Famed Spanish opera singer and chairman of International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, Plácido Domingo, has seen a number of his concerts cancelled as an investigation is launched into a number of allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour.

According to a report from the Associated Press, eight singers and a dancer have come forward to claim that they had been sexually harassed by the 78-year-old, with these alleged incidents taking place as far back at the late ’80s.

Inappropriate touching and unwanted attempts to kiss the alleged victims are some of the claims made, while another six women have alleged that Domino made them uncomfortable at numerous times, using his power and influence within the opera world – including his position as the general director of the LA Opera – to pressure them into unwanted situations.

“A business lunch is not strange,” one of the singers explained to the AP. “Somebody trying to hold your hand during a business lunch is strange — or putting their hand on your knee is a little strange. He was always touching you in some way, and always kissing you.”

Plácido Domingo has since issued a statement responding to these claims, noting that he find the allegations “deeply troubling”.

“The allegations from these unnamed individuals dating back as many as thirty years are deeply troubling, and as presented, inaccurate,” Domingo explained.

“Still, it is painful to hear that I may have upset anyone or made them feel uncomfortable — no matter how long ago and despite my best intentions. I believed that all of my interactions and relationships were always welcomed and consensual.

“People who know me or who have worked with me know that I am not someone who would intentionally harm, offend, or embarrass anyone.

“However, I recognize that the rules and standards by which we are — and should be — measured against today are very different than they were in the past. I am blessed and privileged to have had a more than 50-year career in opera and will hold myself to the highest standards.”

As One News Now also reports, the Los Angeles Opera has issued a statement noting they will “engage outside counsel to investigate the concerning allegations

“Placido Domingo has been a dynamic creative force in the life of LA opera and the artistic culture of Los Angeles for more than three decades,” the company explained.

“Nevertheless, we are committed to doing everything we can to foster a professional and collaborative environment where all our employees and artists feel equally comfortable, valued and respected.”

While the New York’s Metropolitan Opera is awaiting the findings of the LA Opera before making a decision regarding Domingo’s scheduled appearance next month, both the Philadelphia Orchestra Association and the San Francisco Opera have said it will cancel upcoming performances for the musician.

“We take accusations of sexual harassment and abuse of power with extreme seriousness,” the Met explained, adding that “Mr. Domingo has never been in a position to influence casting decisions for anyone other than himself” at their organisation.

The IFPI also explained to Music Business Worldwide that they will undertake a formal inquiry into the allegations.

“We have only now become aware of the serious allegations that have been reported in the media against IFPI’s Honorary Chairman, Plácido Domingo,” they explained. “IFPI firmly believes that sexual harassment in any form cannot be tolerated.”

Meanwhile, Helga Rabl-Stadler of Austria’s Salzburg Festival has noted that Domingo will appear as planned at his upcoming performance at the end of the month.

“I have known Placido Domingo for more than 25 years,” Rabl-Stadler noted in a statement. “In addition to his artistic competence, I was impressed from the very beginning by his appreciative treatment of all festival employees.”

“I would find it factually wrong and morally irresponsible to make irreversible judgments at this point.”

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