Placido Domingo is ‘truly sorry’ as US union reaches verdict

The singer has issued an apology following an AP report that lawyers for AGMA – the US opera performers’ union – are about to issue a report declaring him guilty of multiple sexual abuses of his authority.

Domingo, 79, faced accusations from anonymous accusers in an AP investigation last year.

Domingo responded today:

‘I have taken time over the last several months to reflect on the allegations that various colleagues of mine have made against me. I respect that these women finally felt comfortable enough to speak out, and I want them to know that I am truly sorry for the hurt that I caused them. I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I have grown from this experience.’

He added:

‘I understand now that some women may have feared expressing themselves honestly because of a concern that their careers would be adversely affected if they did so. While that was never my intention, no one should ever be made to feel that way.

‘I am committed to affecting positive change in the opera industry so that no one else has to have that same experience. It is my fervent wish that the result will be a safer place to work for all in the opera industry, and I hope that my example moving forward will encourage others to follow.’

Publication of the AGMA report is understood to be imminent. The LA Opera, which Domingo led as artistic and general director from 2000 until his resignation last year, has yet to issue its findings.

Domingo has been dropped by opera houses in the US. He remains an active performer in Europe and Asia.