Charles Dutoit denies forced physical contact

The following statement has been sent to media by Charles Dutoit from the email address of his wife, Chantal Juillet:
23 December 2017

Charles Dutoit: Response to claims of alleged misconduct

“The allegations made against me are as shocking to me as they are to my friends and colleagues. I do not recognize the man or the actions being described in the media.

“Whilst informal physical contact is commonplace in the arts world as a mutual gesture of friendship, the serious accusations made involving coercion and forced physical contact have absolutely no basis in truth.

“I am taking legal advice and plan to meaningfully defend myself and I believe within this current climate, media accusations on serious physical abuse do not help society tackle these issues properly if the claims are in fact not true.”