Domingo's name removed from Washington Opera program

Plácido Domingo's name has been removed from the Washington National Opera's young artist program “in light of recent developments,” the opera house announced Tuesday.

Domingo was the leading figure at the WNO from 1996-2011 as artistic director and later general director. He created the young artists program in 2002 and it was named the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program after him and The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.

Last week, the American Guild of Musical Artists, the main union that represents opera performers, said its four-month investigation had found the 79-year-old singer had "engaged in inappropriate activity, ranging from flirtation to sexual advances, in and outside of the workplace." Based on its findings, the union said, Domingo would "pay fines," be suspended from the union for 18 months and undergo sexual harassment training.

In concert with the findings, Domingo apologized to the women who had accused him of misconduct, after denying the allegations for months. "I want them to know that I am truly sorry," he said. "I accept full responsibility for my actions."

But two days later, as several Spanish organizations moved to cancel his appearances, he issued a second statement saying his "apology was sincere and wholehearted," but had generated a false impression. "I have never behaved aggressively toward anybody, nor have I ever done anything to obstruct or hurt the career of anybody," he said.

The opera union began its investigations after the publication of Associated Press stories in which multiple women accused Domingo of harassment and abusing his power. A second investigation is still ongoing at the Los Angeles Opera, where Domingo was general director from 2003 until he resigned in October.

According to people who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the report, AGMA’s investigation found that 27 people were sexually harassed or had witnessed inappropriate behaviour by Domingo in the 1990s and 2000s, when he held senior management positions at the Washington and Los Angeles companies. They said another 12 people told investigators they were aware of the star's reputation and that it was common knowledge at the companies.

WNO said the name of its program would be changed to the Cafritz Young Artists of Washington National Opera, adding in its statement that it “acknowledges Mr. Domingo's singular artistic legacy and contribution to the opera field and to WNO.”

Jocelyn Gecker, The Associated Press