I MAKE NO JUDGMENT IN THIS CASE - - - - or in any other. I have an opinions but my opinions do not count - nor should they. That’s what courts are for. But:
The Salem Witch Trials combined the imaginations of some otherwise powerless young women with the religious fervor of a community and the results were devastating - - until the Governor of Massachusetts stepped in. “Justice” was a complete fraud.
Almost identical practices arose during the hysteria of our “Red Scare”, the activities of the House Un-American Activities Committee, and those of Senator McCarthy.
There were no witches in Salem - but people died and were imprisoned anyway.
There certainly were some communists in the USA but many “innocent” people had reputations and livelihoods destroyed.
There certainly are sexually abusive men too but, since it remains equally impossible to “prove a negative”, every one who is accused is irretrievably tarnished - at a minimum.
There IS such a thing as “going overboard”.
I worry that our society may be doing so in this arena.
(Before you take offense, please re-read the first line above.)
12
I am continually appalled and amazed that men of a certain age and era cannot seem to comprehend how their behavior and actions toward women have been unwanted and unacceptable. Just shows how much (or little) our gender has mattered over the years, and how much enlightenment still needs to be done.
17
The men who take advantage of women -- who they know don't want to lose their job or miss an opportunity -- are not stupid. They only grow more manipulative through their successful practice and confident they will not be stopped. Then, of course, nothing can be proved, so the typical argument is to blame the women. Nothing ever changes. There's no real "ground zero" agreement that sexual misconduct is wrong.
There is one remedy: In those places where it's a known "secret", those women AND men who are aware of the behavior, should confront the man en masse and tell him he must stop or leave his job / contract there and his behavior will be entered into his employment records. The behavior is inexcusable and should not be protected.
13
“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.” ... “the rules and standards by which we are — and should be — measured against today are very different than they were in the past.”
I appreciate the fact that he admitted to his past misconduct and is contrite. He obviously did not “lawyer up” and is taking responsibility. That puts him in a very different light, for me, than a lot of the other men who took advantage of the loose social standards and second-class status of women in the 1970s and 80s. I think that having powerful men apologize and say this was wrong should help educate younger men how to behave. It might also help us get to a balanced point in this evolving issue. It seems that currently even avuncular hug can be alleged to be an assault. That swings the pendulum too far in the other direction. We need to have more clarity about when sexual advances are acceptable and when they are not.
14
@Chasrip Actually, yes, all unwanted, ungranted physical contact is assault. It has always been this way. In times past, you could lose your life for laying hands on the wrong person at the wrong time. Nowadays, at worst you lose your job. It's a gentler time.
6
Before I can make a judgement I need facts. Corroboration, contemporaneous action and/or complaint. Something tangible which illuminates the situation. These things may or may not have happened. But, based on what is reported here, we do not have enough information to know if they did. This is a frustrating situation for all. But in this country proof is a necessary element of the process of judgement. So far, I see no proof of anything.
17
@Frank
That's why it's continued through the ages. Why would there be any proof when the conduct is in private? Start talking to women. Do your own survey across many types of employment and pay grades. Ask them if they've been propositioned or harassed by a man in power where they worked. Almost all of us have. Does NO good to complain. Demanding proof is only prolonging and protecting bad behavior.
18
As a women and a survivor of sexual abuse, I find it disturbing that women think it’s ok to accuse someone thirty years later of harassment. I would be afraid to be a man in the world today. Not that it was right but what was accepted 30 tears ago is not acceptable today. We shouldn’t crucify but educate so moving forward we don’t have problems. Don’t misunderstand me, I in no means am condoning any of his alleged actions. Women 30 years ago weren’t as empowered as we are today, it doesn’t mean that it should happen. It means we need to educate both men and women to ensure that it doesn’t continue to happen.
37
Once again the Met in NY is turning a blind eye toward sexual abuse. Will they never learn?
10
After 42 years on the job with attractive young people I always kept my pledge to myself...”never get your honey where you make your money.”
It has served me well.
24
In all of this I do no see one word of compassion for his wife of 50 years.
Another instance that men of power think only about themselves.
16
Due process is what is legally required in America before we imprison or punish individuals for wrong doing. Kangaroo courts and mob justice are what is required to punish individuals who are found guilty by mere accusations.
Mr Domingo may be guilty of all, some part or none of the accusations. He may be a sociopath, or... he may be a sick man in need of mental health care... But the court of public opinion is not how we should decide.
What is at work here are forces and tactics that can destroy an individual totally and completely... before the truth is known or justice exercised.
The forces of public fury and hostility toward anyone against whom allegations of this type are levied is out of control and extracts a price on the accused that is beyond our concept of "Fair" justice. In this forum and in the blogosphere, You are guilty before proven guilty and you are destroyed before you have a chance to defend yourself.
That it is why in the public forum we can so easily chew up Placido Domingo, the man and the artist, and spit him out like garbage.
"Touche" to the Blog Bullies and the Cry Bullies and "So Long" to Law and Order and social decency and respect for one another.
18
@Vanderpool
You are talking about facts that took place many years ago and that are, precisely, very hard to prove. The same problem exists with most sexual crimes reported to the police decades later... Only yesterday I came across an old "El Pais" newspaper from 2010, with the news about a Belgium bishop who abused his own nephew and the family did not believe him...!
You cannot be very legalistic in this matters, since nothing happens in the open. It is not a burglary on a jewelry store with cameras, unfortunately.
Unfortunately, too, people in the musical circles were aware, as the AP article states, and everybody stayed very quite, everybody.
And the most abhorrent fact is that he had the power to hire or not the singer in question...
10
Let's stop telling the collaborator's lie that women often go along with sexual harassment to get something we don't deserve. We often endure to try to get what we do deserve, what we have fairly earned with our work and our wisdom, and to avoid professional damaged and sometimes destruction, even to avoid personal destitution. And these men, and most of the people defending their physical attacks on those typically smaller, weaker, and of a vastly lower status, know that.
21
A big fan of Mr Domingo as an artist, I am very disappointed by his statement which in fact is a denial. That he should belong to that deplorable sort of powerfull men who abuse their position - here a casting manager - for sexual exploits of his female colleagues - is unacceptable regardless when it happened.
8
Let’s face it. Mr. Placido Domingo’s career has run it’s course regardless of these allegations. There are great talents waiting in the wings...time to pass the torch.
As to Mr. Don Lemon’s allegedly sexual assault I definitely believe the victim. He must be immediately suspended by CNN until this matter is fully investigated. Should the witnesses corroborate the story then I hope I never see his face again.
That’s my two cents!
8
@Charlie
Mr. Domingo is a fine conductor with much still to offer. Though singers usually have an expiration date, a conductor can age gracefully, continually improving and adding depth and experience to his interpretations. And while these allegations are distressing, so far Mr. Domingo seems to be handling this maturely, neither caving in and crawling away like Mr. Franken, nor lawyering up and using his wealth as a cudgel. I suppose my respect and admiration for him make me want this to all be false, but whatever the outcome, I believe he will display the kind of good taste and dignity that has characterized the rest of his life.
6
@Charlie
Based on news reports, the Don Lemon incident appears to be a nuisance suit. A guy trying to extort Don Lemon and CNN. Pay me $1.5M and this goes away. Plus the guy is on record as being anti-CNN.
But you have two posts regarding the matter. Are you an interested party?
6
I am so old but now reformed and happy that the "Me too" anti "stud" male sexist movement is with us and very strong .
As a male growing up in NYC in the 1950'along with my dad as well as both then engaged in the Western Classical music world , I never heard nor suspected that we too had that old famous "casting couch" to get work or to advance ones career.
Will Placido D. Join James Levine in being ostracized? time will tell and it is good that these famous musician's are put in the spotlight especially when their own selfish sexual desires became more important to their ego then obeying the words "stop" or "no".
8
Is anyone surprised by this? This has been going on for centuries. But how does a woman prove that a powerful man being rebuffed by her led to her not being cast after an audition. Can’t prove it....but women know....if you want your career to soar, best give the old raisins what they want.
4
I am against sexual harassment. I am also against trying to seek relief years after an incident.
If Mr. Domingo is an unrepentant and sociopathic womanizer (which is the way he’s described in these comments) I suggest that the women who are being harassed, stand up to him and come forward immediately. Then we have something to prosecute. Otherwise, this is all hearsay and perhaps malicious gossip.
We all know that extraordinary talent, acknowledged by millions, leads to a attitude of invulnerability. This is particularly so when people want to be in the good graces of someone who might be helpful to them. If enough people don’t say no to a powerful person, especially where sex is involved, they become delusional and think they are infinitely desirable and can do no wrong.
The best answer when you want to say “no” is “no.” It is true that if a woman is extraordinary herself, it generally won’t end in retaliation. However, if one is just as talented as many others, better to find another line of work or at least don’t be more ambitious than your ability.
Being excellent at what you do, man or woman, doesn’t give you the right to be a boor or a diva, but those who want to rise through association don’t have the right to feel abused if they don’t say no.
I hope we agree Placido Domingo is an extraordinary talent who enriches us through his art. As have so many others of questioned morals. Focus on today to stop misogyny! That’s the way to get it to stop now.
28
The definitions of “hearsay” and “malicious gossip” are unconnected to this reporting. Specific women made statements to established news reporters of the Associated Press. That is neither hearsay nor gossip.
12
Of course, it is.
7
Mr. Domingo’s statement- made by him- says he believes all his interactions were always welcome and consensual- a kind of non-denial denial especially in view of the fact that he has been married for 50 years.
It is a shame to see careers and reputations ruined by “allegations” which gain weight by strength in numbers when several women come forward anonymously except for one who went on the record years after the fact to engage in a he said she said scenario.
12
I spent twenty years in the opera world and heard many stories about Domingo (and Levine).
Yet this story is also close to my heart for another reason.
The Jesuit priest who was the principal of my high school sexually abused young boys for years. When he did it to my classmate, I, age 15 stood up to a senior member of the school administration (a fellow Jesuit) threatening to report him to the parents' club. The principal was removed from the school a few weeks later. And, rather than being congratulated for doing the right thing, I was treated like a pariah by the school's administration.
I was just a 15 year old kid who wanted some adult to step in and stop the abuse.
Sexual harassment, as in most forms of abuse is always perpetrated on someone perceived as having less power; someone perceived as vulnerable
That's how abusers choose their victims.
In the cases of the powerful men like Domingo, or, for that matter, Harvey Weinstein, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Jeffrey Epstein or the current occupant of the WH, they are immensely wealthy as well as powerful. They could break your career and exhaust you financially, and otherwise, via their lawyers.
My school principal could never wield that kind of power.
Therefore never be a mystery why the victims often don't speak up or fight back when it happens: usually, they have too much to lose.
63
@MICHAEL
I totally agree... Actually, I did meet a soprano who was a part of a Medieval group who, in her youth, encountered Domingo and was approached in a similar way...She decided not to pursue a career in opera, so his advances did not have a consequence... for her!
10
@cecilia peon I am a secular, non-religious person yet I believe that we are on this planet to love and support each other.
It's so tragic that malignant narcissists yield so much power in world.
4
So who is next? It would be nice to get all this out at once.
4
Don Lemon comes to mind...
1
Ms. Wulf, thank you for sharing your story. Your bravery yields hope of a future without this form of terror. Unfortunately, maestro Domingo isn’t the only one. Hopefully, you will inspire other victims to step forward.
9
I studied opera in college and grew up listening to Domingo and Pavarotti as my two guiding lights since I was a child, so this really hurts. However, it is so much more painful for the victims and I stand with them now and always. I find it so tragic that a person capable of manifesting such great beauty and sensitivity as an artist is also allegedly capable of such insensitivity and cruelty. I am boycotting him until such time as he is cleared, and if not, I guess I will have to make do with Di Stefano, Caruso, Gigli and Corelli, as well as Mr. Pavarotti.
14
@Jeffrey Gillespie
Do not forget Bastianini, best baritone of all times!
4
The problem today is that it's still men of that generation deciding what to do about men of that generation.
One can't help but think if Deborah Borda were the president and CEO of the Met instead of the NY Philharmonic if the Met's response would be less timid, and protective of someone who, frankly, can no longer sing at the level of the Met.
15
It's time for a reckoning. He should step aside for younger baritones to sing these roles, and, more notably, gifted younger conductors.
He hit on me several times in L.A. and he knew and conducted my husband, the late tenor, Neil Wilson. Seriously. Retire
Placido.
51
Droit du seigneur. It’s very operatic. And for every woman who refused to capitulate there were younger, prettier, hungrier and just as talented women who did.
17
I wonder how many extraordinary A-list singers the world will never know simply because they insisted on their right to bodily integrity and autonomy.
39
@Phedre Not a very likely scenario. With YouTube, televised performances, opera venues all over the world and classical labels picking up talented singers all the time; talent will out.
3
@Phedre
The vast majority of the world's opera singers have never appeared with the Washington or Los Angeles opera companies, and the only one named here was anything but an A-list singer.
4
Let the trial by media begin. Everyone is expected to live their entire lives like some kind of perfect saint, right? Never hurting anyone, behaving in a perfectly ethical and altruistic manor in their love life always and forever? And all the saints out there are ready to pounce on this great artist like a pack of dogs. Enough already, hypocrites.
41
@JR
What would you say is the best response? Ignore the allegations? If your sister or daughter had been the alleged target of sexual assault would you still feel the same way? Nonetheless, this operatic star like anyone, else deserves to be presumed innocent, until proven guilty. Trial by press is unfair.
7
@JR No one is expected to be a saint. But similarly, no one is expected to sexually assault their colleagues and/or subordinates. This behavior from Domingo has been common knowledge in the opera world for years.
13
@JR
What hypocrisy? Your "great artist" is not immune to human foibles. In his position they are more readily satisfied.
Is it not hypocrisy on his part to play the generous mentor and good guy while taking advantage of some young and eager aspirant?
Are you suggesting we give him a pass? Because like many men in his position he has already given himself one.
9
I'm shocked! Shocked!!! That such things every could have taken place in the classical music world.
People, grow up already.
28
Does this mean that there were women who did willingly have sex with Domingo in order to advance their career?
20
Et tu, Placido?
12
Joanna Fiedler, daughter of the Boston Pops conductor Arthur Fiedler, published an interesting book, "Molto Agitato: The Mayhem Behind the Music at the Metropolitan Opera" in 2001. She mentioned without going into detail Domingo's reputation as one who, shall we say, greatly enjoyed female company. As a reader it was not difficult to read between the lines. I am just surprised that the Me Too movement is only now reaching Domingo. A writer whose wife worked as a coach at the Met told me almost 30 years ago that James Levine's bad habits were well-known there. One probably could find similar stories at other major opera companies. Domingo and Levine should have retired years ago. Note to other aging big stars: Take heed.
37
@WBS
Aging big stars? Let's not be ageist.
Why not make 30 years old the retirement age? Any normal human being will have done stuff they regret and blush to think of by the time they reach that age. That makes them no more than human detritus to be thrown out with the rest of the garbage.
12
As someone who works in opera - at a high level - let me explain that opera is very much like show business, where mentors and stars have ENORMOUS influence over young careers. Disappointing someone like Domingo results in a "pass" for a future role, and it can take years to find another opportunity like it...not because of lack of talent, but because the field is extraordinarily competitive. Conversely, being in someone's favor can lead to great opportunities that keep you employed. Domingo has been in a supervisory role for decades where he has great influence over casting; pursuing the employees around him is unacceptable.
67
This exactly. Placido even has his own opera competition --Operalia-- with prizes awarded to up-and-coming singers. Rumors floated everywhere at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion... whether or not formal complaints were made.
5
No, the rules are not different now. It was wrong then and it is now.
37
This is such disappointing news about Placido Domingo. I really don't know what to say. I hope it isn't true.
9
@KMW Unfortunately, it isn't going to matter whether or not it is true; his reputation will be in shambles by the time this is over.
15
@vivian: Yet it IS true, and this was widely known by large numbers of people many years ago. It's only now coming to general public attention.
If Domingo's reputation is in a shambles, it's due to his own actions over a long period of time. He can view the person who brought him down by looking in the nearest mirror.
15
Another story of women who apparently couldn't speak up for themselves for years. Why so self-muzzling? Odd the story mentions he's married but refers to none of the alleged victims as married.
8
@DaveD He hit on them, not the other way around. Although, I believe in the AP article, at least one of the alleged victims mentions that she was married at the time. And AP also spoke with over 3 dozen people who were witness to him making advances to other people.
24
@DaveD
One of them was indeed married. If you had read the more detailed article which appeared in the Washington Post and Huffington, there are actually details including places. The married singer made it very clear. She even told her husband.During an after party Domingo had the gall to ask to meet the husband so he could meet his competition. He showed no respect for either of them.
And look what happens when they do come forward. They get reactions like yours. Just ask how well it turned out for Christine Blasey Ford.
It takes guts to even consider coming forward.
23
The rules of the game have changed very suddenly.
Does anyone seriously believe that Pavarotti or Sinatra or dozens of other stars didn’t pull this stuff? That was the milieu they knew.
Will all the pearl-clutchers stop listening to their music?
A number of years ago, a blog by a male Swiss violinist/conductor swirled on the internet about Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge. The musician said to Sutherland at her dinner table, “Well, at least I never slept my way up to a better post.” Sutherland glared at him and said, “Many people who sat at this table did exactly that to get ahead. And it didn’t bother them one whit, dearie.”
28
@David G
I'm sure that they did - but that doesn't make it right, especially for the women who didn't want to be hit on, abused, or treated like a piece of meat.
We love both those artists because they were extraordinary in one area of their life - but we don't confuse them with role models.
10
@David G
Yikes! Chilling story! Maybe this sexual assault culture and sexual exploitation is being finally exposed. Women and men will not be reliably silenced anymore! Bravissimo!
4
@David G: You forgot to mention that Bonynge was Sutherland's husband.
6
I think that the boundaries between legitimate sexual advances and sexual harassment are getting blurred. Too easy to accuse somebody, too difficult to defend him/her-self
42
@Mur - it's quite easy to figure out, actually: if there's any kind of power imbalance, then it's wrong.
23
if you live long enough, all
your heroes die.
28
As a young aspiring opera singer in the early 2000s, I too heard the rumors that despite his married status Placido liked to sleep with his female cast members. He was never "cast" in a creepy light to me, just a horny one.
Then, one of my European opera mentors proudly flaunted the fact that she had been one of his lovers and through that, had advanced her career.
42
I worked in the classical recording industry for many years, and had friends who were aspiring opera singers - and the reports that I would more tend to hear were of groupies throwing themselves backstage at superstars like Domingo and Pavarotti.
I fear that these men consequently developed an erroneous sense of their universal sexual desirability, especially to younger peers - who might not share the typical groupie's desire to 'get horizontal' with the man with the golden voice. For these professional women, it's a business - not a star-stuck fan's search for operatic scalps.
Even an operatic superstar needs to understand the difference between a fan throwing herself at you and a professional who just wants to do her job, and not gratify your ego or amorous appetite.
23
@Alan
But might not the reverse also be true? That just as often these advances at not welcomed?
Not everyone does it, you know.
6
@Alan
Whether they did or not is immaterial.
Just because one young female did doesn't mean that the next would welcome your lecherous attention.
4
The matter I am unclear about after reading this article is whether or how the artists concerned know for certain that their refusals to Mr. Domingo directly affected their being hired or not hired. Perhaps that is made more clear in the AP article. Did he threaten them if they did not comply? Were they removed from roles, or did someone else just get the part? If they want to pursue some kind of compensation through legal means, I would hope that they would identify themselves and participate fully and openly in any inquiries that follow.
I am very disappointed that this great artist whom I've admired for many years appears to be a sleazy womanizer, but being a sleazy womanizer is not a crime in the legal sense, and neither is being a sexual harasser, unless assault is involved.
What's saddest to me about all of these sorts of situations is that women cannot be sure that they will receive the support of the institution (or employer) if they speak up, and these situations get swept under the rug until the dustpile gets too big to ignore. Money always has the last word, doesn't it, and Mr. Domingo certainly means big money in the music world.
7
@Deb From the AP article:
The AP also spoke to almost three dozen other singers, dancers, orchestra musicians, members of backstage staff, voice teachers and an administrator who said they witnessed inappropriate sexually tinged behavior by Domingo and that he pursued younger women with impunity.
And Domingo isn't exactly denying it:
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.
11
@Michelle...Wouldn't that be like a bank robber saying he thought the teller didn't mind him handing her a note demanding the money. Since...the money wasn't hers anyway?? The other thing to think about is that..this may be a misunderstanding. This could all just be another case of...Locker Room Talk !!
7
How do you say no to a God? "No, God!"
8
@Randy
Ms Wulf was apparently able to say no.
3
@Randy
Easy. I'm not religious.
4
This has been well known fact throughout the industry. Ariosi Management which represents him, would recruit pretty young girls to satisfy the Maestro and offer to help them with their careers. There are some very powerful people covering up for him so that is why it has taken this long for the news to get out. Ariosi ( the pimp) is also being investigated for tax evasion in Italy! Yikes!
19
@Opera Lover A fellow opera singer friend of mine, some 30 years ago had a career break-through, via a TV appearance on the top late night show of the 1980s.
He then was interviewed by someone regarded as one of the top agents in the classical music world, i.e., a name all of us knew. And the agency was regarded as the most powerful in the opera/classical music world of the time.
The agent, heterosexual, did not make sexual advances to my friend.
He instead demanded a large, under the table, cash bribe promising to promote him to the MET management and securing him a private audition with Levine.
My friend turned him down. And his career didn't happen. While it is entirely possible that it was due to any number of other reasons, I felt that my friend had all the prerequisites for a career.
This is the same dynamic in operation: someone powerful taking advantage of someone much less so who was looking for career advancement.
4
Hmmm. Will Rolex drop him as a spokesman now?
5
Glad I heard Domingo in Luisa Miller at the Met last season, didn't realize it may have been his last Met performance!
5
Unless it's a serious crime, an act of violence, something done forcefully after a person expressed the lack of consent or clearly said no, it'll be hard to hold everyone accountable. And should we? I'm in the news & media industry (began in entertainment) and could make a list of names of men who misbehaved, acted inappropriately, harassed and also assaulted me. It's not one or two, three or even four. There's a list. It began on day 1. Don't misunderstand what I say: it's everyone's right to claim accountability if it's justified. I wouldn't bother, but everything has changed and new rules apply. Finally!
15
Patricia Wulf (no online credits, no albums) says she didn't report Domingo's persistant propositions because she thought it might hurt her career (what career?). She could have just said, "can we just keep this professional?", but she chose not to. From what I've gleaned, not one manager of any company here or abroad has ever heard a negative word about Mr. Domingo. This is not tantamount to the situation with James Levine at the MET, where his sexual misdeeds were sort of an open secret. In any case, not to question Ms. Wulf because she never reached anything approaching the top tier of singers. That doesn't automatically invalidate her claim. Still, until an exhaustive investigation proves otherwise, I'm going to reserve my judgement.
26
@Randy
Domingo's behavior was also an open secret
5
His behavior was well known throughout the opera world and he has some very powerful people protecting him. Ariosi Management recruited pretty young singers that he knew Placido would like and would offer to help them.
17
Domingo once said “I won’t deprive myself of singing opera as long as my voice follows. If I rest, I rust.” Seems like some women would disagree.
3
About time. I have often wondered why it has taken this long, but I figured that the opera world is more deeply mired in some ancient "customs" than others. Everyone tells you to stand up and be counted, and when you do, there can be serious professional consequences.
I lived in that world, met the man, turned him down, and know first hand that saying no to the Maestro had repercussions.
53
@Marie I suggest then you might consider the fact you were not good enough - as a singer. There is no shame in that fact - I and many have never slept with Domingo!
12
@Ann Onymous The repercussions were for my boyfriend, not me. Hard to prove. But I was there. You were not.
20
@Ann Onymous You mean to say that you have never been propositioned, not once, not ever?
When I was in medicine and wanted to go for further training at a very competitive program in NY or Boston, I knew I needed letters of recommendation. They were essential for advancement. I was called into an important man's office and told how beautiful I was and how people were jealous, but not to worry, as it could all be taken care of. I didn't want to end up in a nowhere program or frankly, nowhere at all. This was from a man whose wife would call the hospital at night asking if any of the residents or interns knew where he was. There was no one to whom I could turn for help as I would have been dismissed. So I managed without him but not totally satisfactorily.
If Ana, as you say you were never made any offers I think it says more about you. Perhaps Mr Domingo didn't find you his type, or young enough, or attractive enough. I can't answer that. But you have more posts here than anyone else and they all loyally leap to his defense. You also keep stating how attractive you are and what a stellar career you have had. There is also the idea of the right place at the right time but that's another issue.
Please don't keep everyone on tenterhooks as to who you are. Reveal yourself and we can see if we agree with your assessment.
19
I was a strong supporter of the MeToo movement when it began, but now that this extraordinary talent will have his reputation tarnished for propositioning/hitting on women really bothers me.
Women who complain that they 'could not say no" are using the same reasoning that sexist men in the past used to say that women should not be allowed to open bank accounts, have their own credit cards, or be allowed into certain professions. These women act as if they have no agency which is insulting.
84
@Sallie I agree. I don't want to defend Mr. Domingo, but he said he believed his interactions with these women were consensual. It sounds to me some of the women were misleading and avoided him without just saying no, one of them even sleeping with him when "she ran out of excuses". It seems like at some level they wanted to please him for their own professional benefit, and if so that is their right, but I'm not sure that rises to the level of MeToo. On the other hand, I do not condone Domingo or any person sexually or romantically misbehaving in the workplace toward their colleagues.
22
@Sallie
In a different article elsewhere, which gives more explicit details, Domingo would often pursue someone for months, even years. This does not sound like mild flirtation, but relentless pursuit. Nor was he discouraged when one victim told him several times she was married.
He would call constantly even if the victim herself never gave her number. Late dinners and champagne as a prelude to "coaching" and career advice? Sounds too much like Harvey Weinstein.
Not to mention the "everybody knows it" aspect of it, complete with advice to stay away from him when possible, including never being alone in an elevator with him.
Constant and relentless pressure sounds like harassment to me.
47
@JCR "he said he believed his interactions with these women were consensual" - what did you expect him to say? His apology, read in total, reads as a confession.
25
Influencing whether or not people can work is utterly reprehensible. Asking for dates is NOT. That the Philadelphia Orchestra cancelled over allegations is beyond reprehensible. I feel unsafe attending any of their concerts because they might declare me unsuitable to be in their hall.
51
@Grittenhouse - then I can only assume you approve of his behavior - if I had a ticket to his concert I would be requesting a refund.
25
@Grittenhouse - "Influencing whether or not people can work is utterly reprehensible. Asking for dates is NOT. "
What about asking for dates many many times after being refused? And what about rescinding offers of work when requests for "dates" are refused?
41
@Grittenhouse
One woman said it took two and a half years of saying no for him to let her alone. Is that OK?
29
Little by little, one by one, these notorious complaints about "being made to feel uncomfortable" are corroding the legitimate and very real complaints from rape and assault victims.
58
@Alex
How? I don't have a problem with seeing rape and assault as physical acts, while harassment as a coercive, pyschological one. The perpetrator knows what he's doing.
As part of his career, Mr. Domingo speaks many languages. He should know what "no" means in all of them.
15
"Now where do I go to get my reputation back?"
Raymond Donovan, Reagan's Secretary of Labor, after being found not guilty of widely reported, spurious corruption and mob charges.
You need evidence, people. These anonymous accusations just don't cut it. Serious claims should be examined in the light of day. That's because people with a grudge will lie like rugs.
34
@CDC - that's why news organizations look for corroborating evidence before going to print. They don't want to pay big bucks for irresponsible reporting. The AP article has many mentions of friends, colleagues, or spouses who knew about the harassment at the time, for instance.
37
@Bruce
But since the AP keeps all of those "sources" anonymous, you just have to take their word for it. Try taking that into a court of law.
3
These accusations seem coordinated and thin on circumstance, let alone evidence. Women should not be able to remain anonymous when making allegations of this sort. Be courageous like Paula Jones, Juanita Broaddrick, Monica Lewinsky, Gennifer Flowers. Otherwise it becomes obvious that you’re just part of a propaganda effort.
29
@Jack Ewing. WaPo has a much more detailed article as does the music blog Slipped Disc. One of the women is named. The article at WaPo is from the Associated Press and seems to have been extensively researched and checked by the author.
35
@Jack Ewing
The penalties for coming forward are a strong deterrent.
16
@Jack Ewing Domingo was notorious for this kind of behavior, not just when he was here at the Washington National Opera. The wife followed him around getting jobs as an opera director to keep an eye on him.
23
Certainly is easy now to spread career-ending accusations all over the internet (which may or may not be true) and not even have to reveal the identity of eight of the nine accusers, much less any other pertinent information about Domingo's alleged misbehavior. Now all you need is the accusation to smear the accused, and you know how it is: a lie travels around the world before the truth even gets its boots on. The #MeToo movement has been a great thing for society, but this kind of anonymous career wrecking is a whole different thing.
22
Could everyone stop crucifying this man until there is factual evidence produced?
20
@dog lover: Apparently you didn't read the article.
10
You can’t say these are “facts” unless they’ve been adjudicated and found to be facts.
3
He has been almost as famous for his Opera as he has been for lecherous conduct toward female cast members, employees, and their daughters. Lifelong creep.
18
@Emery you are wrong - I as many female worked with Domingo - and in leading roles - in multiple countries -
10
@Ann Onymous What were you saying he was wrong ABOUT ?
4
My cousin's best friend, who was a budding opera singer beginning in the early 80s, told her Placido Domingo was a lecherous creep and wouldn't stop sexually harassing and groping her. She was in her early 20s at the time this happened. None of this news about his disgusting behavior, 27 years later, surprises me.
28
@Sasha Love
You realize you're giving us a third-hand account, or what trial lawyers would call "double hearsay"?
Anyone who has spent time checking out facts would know that stories like that often fall apart when you try to track them back to the source.
A good recent example is Janet Maslin's article in the New Yorker on the charges against Al Franken. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/29/the-case-of-al-franken
13
@Norman So when it falls apart, she can retract it. Meanwhile, I can personally confirm her account.
4
@kenneth
Do you mean you personally talked to the cousin's best friend, and heard her first-hand account?
Or that you personally talked to the cousin, and you heard her give this second-hand account?
Or that you personally talked to Sasha Love, and you heard her give this third-hand account?
This is known as a "rumor."
2
Great singer. Lousy human.
14
The next thing we'll hear is that men like Jimmy Page and Mick Jagger have had sex with multiple women over the years.
15
@Lilo Who ?
3
@Lilo
Too my knowledge, neither of them were in a position officially to advance or hinder a women's career, beyond maybe introducing someone to a record company executive or a concert promoter.
The devil is in the details.
4
That is really an amusing and ridiculous defense given the men mentioned.
1
Oh, these dudes ALWAYS say they thought their advances were "welcomed and consensual" ......................
12
@AC And some people always refer to them as "dudes." I thought they were supposed to be "men."
4
Arrogant, entitled, married, creepy.
signed,
ex-opera employee
23
I recommend that people follow the link and read the original AP story, which is detailed and well researched.
Women apparently warn each other about Domingo. Don't be alone with him, don't answer his calls etc. So many of us are familiar with the dance they describe--rejecting an advance without being hurtful because you fear the repercussions of saying no. Feeling trapped by circumstances--here's someone who has enormous influence on your career. You can't afford to tell him to pound sand but you don't want a romantic relationship. It's disgusting.
I don't think there's a woman out there who hasn't been warned about a man at some point in her career.
30
In the classical music world lots of anecdotes circulate about Mr. Domingo's roving eye. I have been waiting for this story to appear. When you're an underling in a powerful machine like the Metropolitan Opera - like a member of the chorus - you are very careful about rocking the boat because this is your JOB, your livelihood. It's naive to imagine that Domingo has no clout. And the Met choral members belong to a union.
My friend, a long-time chorus member, was propositioned by him on several occasions, though whenever he returned to the Met she took care to avoid him. He's a great actor if he acts surprised by this....I am guessing that he's been waiting for this story to run, too. This is an open secret.
46
Amazing how women have moved from strong beings with control over their own fate to powerless little victims who often don't seem to know their own minds when it comes to sex. There was a long article by the NYTimes on college women sexual experiences who wind up naked in bed with fellow students and still don't know what they want. How on earth is the guy supposed to know then? Be firm. Be strong. Say YES or NO clearly and loudly. Stop playing the stereotypical little helpless feminine victim.
16
@Sipa111 Stop putting down women when you clearly don't understand the power these men have over young women. If you had read the AP article, you would know that these women did say NO and Domingo kept pursuing them. Also, who is going to turn down an opportunity to be coached by such a well-known performer? Little did they know what he had in mind . .. .
17
@Anne That sort of male behavior is wrong; but I don't think any of the women was asking for "coaching." In fact, they may not have been asking for anything at all.
7
@Sipa111 Well, if those 7 college women wound up in bed, that conclusively proves the women at the Opera were not violated.
If you were to ask anyone in the opera world who has worked with Domingo, or known anyone who has, they would confirm this behavior... If you are called "God" by all those around you, it seems inevitable that you would develop a highly problematic God-complex. I hope these women find closure in exposing his behavior and toppling Domingo from his pedestal.
18
@daikins Keep smashing fake gods.
2
@daikins toppling Domingo from his pedestal? No wonder we are sometimes called Gods - think of all these invisible spears being thrown at us - I am female super attractive and was when I worked with Domingo - and no, I didn't sleep with him - my take on this episode is actually - some singers (female) are untouchable - why? We have the fierceness to want to perform for the audience - and stamina - sheer will power - thank you for confirming how ugly and desperate musicians have become - Domingo should start doing his gigs to recorded tracks -
5
@daikins
Exactly. It goes to their heads.
The question should be: Why didn't this happen earlier? LA Opera has been aware of his behavior for over 25 years.
15
Why don't these guys all form an It Was Consensual Club and disappear into the twilight (after paying millions in restitution)?
What a continued tragedy that the allegations can't come out for decades because of the repercussions of accusing top people of this behavior.
15
It has been widely known for years that Mr. Domingo's wife is very "understanding" of her husband's extramarital behavior.
As for the Met Opera, you're talking about an institution that looked the other way for DECADES about James Levine's sexual proclivities - which were an open secret to anyone even moderately involved in the opera world. Thus I don't expect the Met to fess up to knowing that Domingo would have done anything untoward, even if there is plenty of evidence to back it up.
Power corrupts, and Domingo is one of the most powerful men in the opera world.
38
@L
At the Met it was a case of Levine gets the boys, Domingo gets the girls.
14
If you read the longer AP story the writer works very hard to provide precise details and corroborates the story as best she can. The list of accusations is quite widespread, following a similar pattern of abusing his power as a star, manager and de facto employer of these women. There are reasons to be cautious regarding any final judgments, but how many women need to tell a similar story for the accusations to be taken seriously?
33
We need to rewrite the rule book for men, it seems to me!
Courting rules have changed and evolved. What are acquiescence signals? What is the difference between seduction and harassment? etc....
11
@Angelo C Courting rules have not changed! Married men hitting on women has never been acceptable. And married men in positions of great power who expect sex in return for coaching or hiring are breaking the law.
19
@Angelo C: Who was Domingo to be "courting" women when he already had a wife & children? That's called "adultery" where I come from.
7
I don't understand why some of the people quoted in the article would infer that if it didn't happen under their watch, or to their knowledge, it didn't happen somewhere else.
9
This is a tragic mark on such an extraordinary career. I have always been a great fan and admired his talent. However, it brings up an unrecognized issue of the pre "#Me Too" world. In the 70s and 80s I sometimes found myself in a similar predicament as described in this article- emphatically and relentlessly pursued by men in which I had no interest. None of them were as famous, interesting, or stellar as Maestro Domingo— nor affecting my career— but I felt that if I "gave in" to them and slept with them for a night, the mystic would end and they would then go away. And they always did. I therefore can empathize with women who came forward now and told of their dynamics with Domingo. Looking back at my younger self I realize how sad it is that any young woman should feel this way and have resort to this. But it was a different time and perhaps the sexual freedom of that era made this solution more acceptable than today. I applaud the fact that today we- as women- are encouraged to speak up and acknowledge our rights as such.
27
I am being a little facetious in asking: if they were our contemporaries, would the music of Wagner or Gesualdo be performed today? I would hope not.
11
@JDStebley
Why?
Art is independent of the creator.
We still read Burroughs and Mailer...
3
“The rules and standards we are judged by have changed.” Sad to say that even eight women was not enough to be taken seriously just a few years ago. Are we finally going to accept that there was a reason women did not speak up at the time?
52
@GGram. It’s tough when 7 of the 8 chose anonymity...and the “incidents” were 40-50 years ago...c’mon...
6
Nearly two decades ago, a rising opera singer revealed that Mr. Domingo’s lecherous ways were common knowledge in the opera world, and that for her, his behavior was the only hurdle that remained in participating in the young artist program. Unfortunately, knowing that he possessed a key that could launch her career, she entered the competition nonetheless.
She revealed that such competitions were her best option as a young singer, and hoped that Mr. Domingo would make no advances towards her.
She faced an unscrupulous fork in the road – a test many of us never endure – with courage beyond her years and with a vulnerability that exposed her youth. Although the window remained open so that she could share her experience, she never did, nor did I pursue it.
19
@R. Robert. So, this was revealed in a private conversation, or what? Thankfully, standards have changed, tho we need to do more.
1
How many times have women spoken up about sexual assault and have either not been believed or have been made to feel like the guilty ones - times have changed and women are speaking up despite many cruel comments about “why now” or “they threw themselves at him” etc. oh please! No matter the profession no matter how famous or how talented actions such as those by a “president” or a famous opera singer is still reprehensible- it’s a tragedy for the women and reprehensible by an opera singer whom I have admired for years. But no more. Such a disappointment and those who say they’re not surprised or they heard about it for years should be ashamed- what if it had been your daughters? Shame!
46
Absolutely ridiculous. As long as it is anonymous, it is gossip, specially in the post #MeToo world. An I am sorry to Mrs. Wulf, but saying “Patricia, do you have to go home tonight?” repeatedly does not consitute harassment. And if she felt it was, maybe she could just have turned around and said "Please stop".
21
@Carlos Carbajal
Regarding a different woman:
"She told the news agency she eventually told him to stop calling her, adding that she was never hired again in Los Angeles after Mr. Domingo got power over casting."
It is not that simple.
50
@Laura could it be that she just wasn't that good a singer?
6
@Carlos Carbajal: Then you have no idea what constitutes harassment! Nor have you ever apparently been on the receiving end of this kind of persistent & creepy kind of comment.
As for saying "please stop" ... the evidence is that what often "stopped" was that the woman didn't get hired even though she was qualified.
13
Even as summary, the paper's initial coverage today seriously understates the allegations of many women, not just nine, and the corroboration of a number of witnesses.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/placido-domingo-opera-accused-sexual-harassment_n_5d52a192e4b0c63bcbed4cc3
23
What is really terrible about all of these types of accusations is that we women were like prisoners in a gulag! We had to be very thankful, in the ways they dictated, to the powerful men over us or they could ruin us. I think there's some of this still going on, but it's vastly improved. We have to keep pushing this "freedom to speak" forward. And parents need to raise their boys to respect women....and the best way to convey that is for the fathers to respect the mothers!!
59
In light of all the revelations and accusations of #MeToo, I feel so lucky that in my 30+ years in the workforce, I've never been sexually harassed. Of the men I've worked with, most were gentlemen, and some were jerks, but none ever demanded favors in exchange for anything, or threatened me/my career if I resisted. Behaving with decency on the job sounds like such a low bar, but apparently it's too high for some. No woman (or anyone, for that matter) should feel grateful simply for being treated with the minimal respect one deserves in a professional environment.
The actor/director Sarah Polley had the perfect response to Harvey Weinstein's suggestion that engaging in a relationship with him would boost her career. She told him not to bother -- acting didn't mean that much to her.
But how many women can do that, especially in fields like opera, where one has invested years of training, and only a fortunate few will sustain a professional career? No woman should have to make that choice. And no man, brilliant artist or not, who forces such a decision upon her should evade consequences.
67
A man constantly calls, texts, and shows up to see a woman at work. A few months later, they're seeing each other, going out, looking like it may even bring a wedding.
In this case, the "badgering" the man engaged in will be lionized for "knowing" this woman is the one for him. The woman will tell the story of first being flattered, then annoyed by the attention, but finally seeing the virtues of this man who loved her so much he wouldn't let go. You can hear the wedding speeches now.
In another case, the woman says no early on, and gets rid of the annoying guy. But then, decades later, she hears of women claiming the guy was annoying and, more, subjected her to harassment.
In her case, in her mind, the man committed transgressions against her, too, because for a period of time he was bothering her after she said no.
The same behavior, and in a legal sense, the same motive, to date a woman, will have drastically different ramifications based on how the woman reacts.
Some men, wrongly, can't see that this is simply the way it is. If you're unsure of what your legacy will be, then back off!
14
@DD if I were friends with that badgered woman who wasn't listened to, I'd tell her that was a big red flag.
Because the last woman I know who wound up in a relationship like that also wound up in a battered women's shelter.
18
@DD
I had a couple of episodes in my 20s where people more powerful than me at work made advances. I received gifts and was taken out for dinner, and over time the attention crossed a line. In both cases, I explained that I wasn’t receptive, and in both cases, the attention stopped, and we stayed friends. In fact, person #2 hired me a couple of years later. So I don’t feel that I was abused. I was not punished for not allowing the relationship to get sexual. Domingo reportedly did retaliate, which is an abuse of power.
5
It would be interesting to hear from some of the women for whom the sexual encounters were consensual. Come on! Surely there were some.
13
@geeb - the problem is thus. They certainly wouldn't want to come forward, for fear it might tarnish their reputations.
And is the suggestion that it is okay, if they consent, even if it cost those who did not consent career opportunities?
2
A person is innocent until proven guilty.
12
@Stephen Kurtz - Yes - in a court of law.
If Domingo feels unjustly accused, it will be interesting to see if he files a lawsuit for defamation or libel. (And if he does not, what will that say?)
6
@Stephen Kurtz
A person is presumed innocent in a court of law until proved guilty.
4
@Laura
Yes but not in a rumor mill like this one, eh?
2
In my underdeveloped career as an opera singer thus far, while I have not ever met Domingo or worked with him, I most certainly have met and worked with a great deal of women who have.
Not a single one of them would deny his salacious behavior. Folks would talk. Men as well would comment on it and how he literally drew from his power in the community to “discover” his new divas. It wasn’t even a question, and honestly a far larger surprise to us that he wasn’t declared unfit for the modern opera world sooner the fallen Levine.
There are still a couple other wolves out there, but no one seems to be coming forward just yet. I’m a strong believer in undeniable evidence and “beyond a reasonable doubt,” as the opposite form of justice-being-dealt-via-the-internet today is similar to historical methods used to punish my ancestors.
78
Literally got tickets for the Philadelphia gala two days ago. Oh well.
More seriously, I think these allegations must be thoroughly investigated. However, I feel lately that due process is denied many prominent figures as a consequence of trial in the press.
As far as the actual accusations go, I can't really have an opinion yet. More investigation is certainly warranted.
While I certainly appreciate the concept of zero tolerance as a safeguard for victims of these terribly imbalanced power dynamics, there still needs to be due process and presumption of innocence.
Even the likes of Epstein and Weinstein (too late for one) deserve it. It is the hallmark of a civilized society.
Abandoning it adversely impacts the accused, the victim and society.
16
@Paolo: It's interesting that it's usually the MALE commenters like you who say "oh, I need more documentation." How often do you get propositioned at work?
8
I recall meeting an ex-girlfriend, then an opera singer in DC's Cafritz-Domingo Young Artist program. She told me that she received numerous unwanted Placido Domingo texts and calls her all hours of the day and night. At first, she explained, she had been flattered. Then she became concerned. I pressed her to tell me more, and she got very uncomfortable. Something was off. Years later I asked her again and she became very upset with me and warned me that "any rumors would ruin her opera career." From reading comments on this and other articles, I can see how many people just won't believe the accusations. As someone familiar with the opera world, I realize why the other women wished to remain anonymous...it is impossible to overstate how respected Placido is and how much influence he wields.
135
@Justin Smith did she even have a career sir? I am not being petty here - however in the opera world - the female singers can also be a tad "dramatic."
6
@Ann Onymous Yes, a very good career, and perhaps this drove the fear of ever saying anything; sang leading roles at Met, LA Opera, La Scala, and many other international houses. If she had no career at all she may have actually been more willing to speak out. But, as many have said, it was an open secret that didn't even seem worth sharing...the "open secret" thing takes the wind out of people's sails...within that world, they fear not just retribution, but also the opposite- that they'll be met with a shrug and "Oh really? Now tell me something we didn't already know."
32
@Ann Onymous By the way, Domingo came up in conversation that night because she kept receiving phone calls and texts throughout the evening. I said, "Why don't you just tell this guy to bug off?" She said, "I can't. It's Placido Domingo."
21
I find the women's claims credible. I also understand Mr. Domingo's incredulity, in the sense that the world as he thought it was, allowed for certain license in behavior. I'm also struck by the number of commenters who are sure the women's claims are false or poorly motivated. We have seen time and again in the clergy, the arts, the military, academics----any place where men tend to dominate in sheer numbers and the potential for exploitation is there---the reality of exploitation tends to be there too. But yet, people always start with outraged denial when the probability is the complaints have merit. Not to say all are fully true. Just, in general, the complaints bear a closer look. Some men will always (at least try to)exploit this kind of advantage. The claim or pose of mentoring is the best defense to mask feral behavior.
50
@SurlyBird Some men truly are so clueless, so egocentric, and so drunk with power that they are unable to see the reality of their behavior. Denial is not just a river in Egypt.
3
It will be interesting to see how the Met, in particular, handles the allegations. Having established a precedent with Maestro Levine, I predict that Placido will be suspended until this mess is sorted out.
11
@Arthur. Given that Nézet-Séguin is Music Director at both the Met and Philly Orchestra I think it will be hard for Gelb not to suspend Domingo. Ot perhaps Domimgo will finally decide to retire.
12
Let's for the moment assume that the directors who claimed that they never heard any complaints are telling the truth. Is that a surprise? Haven't people such as Ms. Wulf said that they were afraid of damaging their careers if they complained? Isn't that how it's usually been when examples of harassment have turned up in other areas? Saying "I heard nothing" is disingenuous. One wonders if these leaders are saying that they heard nothing after taking legal advice.
34
@Stephen Merritt Let's for the moment assume that beating around the bush is the same as TRYING to make a point. What point are you actually SAYING?
8
@Stephen Merritt
I don't understand your post. You agree that Ms. Wulf and others were afraid of damaging their careers if they complained, so they said nothing. What would you suggest the directors do? Replace the walls of the dressing rooms with glass panels, so everyone can see what everyone else is doing? Install cameras everywhere? Bring charges every time you detect someone touching someone else?
3
@Alex. They might as well have installed glass panels on the dressing rooms. In the story that appeared in the WaPo Domingo was said to have walked into dressing rooms unannounced. He had the key codes for the doors.
Sounds like somebody else in the news. Just can’t think of who.
24
'Joseph Volpe, the general manager of the Met from 1990 to 2006, also said that he had never heard any allegations against Mr. Domingo. “I’ve known Plácido since he made his debut at the Met in 1968, and there was never, ever a complaint made against him about sexual harassment,” Mr. Volpe said in a telephone interview. “He’s such a gentleman, and so caring about people.”'
Once again the Met and its minions ramp out the "See no evil, hear no evil" act. Just like with James Levine, its complete and utter willful ignorance is now on display for all to see! For gosh sakes, despite Mr. Domingo's repeated protestations over the years of fidelity to his wife, his sexual predations have been common knowledge among opera singers for decades. You would have had to have been a rock not to know about it. I won't be surprised if dozens of other women begin to come forward.
Not only does Mr. Domingo discredit his artistic legacy by singing baritone roles in which he just sounds wrong, at 78 his performance addiction takes opportunity away from younger singers. It's time for him to cede the stage. This latest kerfuffle should be a long overdue comeuppance and a ticket to a forced retirement.
94
@SC Well, you just settled it. If Domingo sounds wrong in baritone roles, then he's obviously guilty of sexual harassment. Thanks for the insight.
28
@SC. In a comment this morning on the blog Slipped Disc someone mentioned the memoir of another Met manager, Schuyler Chapin. Chapin wrote that Domingo always had a female companion. It the companion was a singer they found a role for her.
That does not mean of course that the relationship was not consensual. But it does show that it was known to be a way to get on stage, even at the Met. And at the Met they certainly knew he was not the paragon of virtue that Volpe describes.
20
@kenneth. Wrong in baritone rolls and not a very good conductor either.
7
“How do you say no to God?” You tell HIM HE's behaving like the devil.
29
@bu
Maybe "show" is better than "tell" here.
As in slaps, kicks, etc.
For those in management who claim innocence of never hearing or knowing of any complaints, it's that argument self-serving? These women have clearly noted that apprehension of reporting him due to his position of power, and the women have noted retaliation in career, who could have dreamt of reporting him and confronting him face-to-face?
If anything, I'd like to see anonymous hotline, at the very least, to allow people suffering from harassment of any kind to come forward. If there isn't any, then I'm sorry, none of those "I didn't see a thing" rings true.
As to Domingo, if he truly believes everything is consensual, the guy is as clueless as he is culpable. He clearly deludes himself to mistake his "power" as his "charm" that he considers irresistible to women. What a jerk.
100
The notion that women were and are completely powerless in matters like this is very distressing to me. Perhaps my thinking is this way because I am a black woman who lived through Jim Crow and my very life depended on my being assertive. We couldn't afford the luxury of being passive.
Back in the 1970s, I slapped my boss' boss for making a pass at me and groping me (he was a white man). I also made a huge scene in the office about it. I didn't care whether I lost my job or not; I believed it was highly inappropriate for any man to take advantage of a woman like that. And I didn't lose my job, either.
I cannot for the life of me understand why any woman would deliberately "make a date" with a predatory man, or allow him to take her to his apartment. Nothing in these accounts says that weapons or force was used. If it was well known that the man was a "wolf" why would you WILLINGLY go anywhere with him, no matter what? Some of these women must have been complicit in their own abuse, either "going along to get along" or hoping to advance their own situation in some way.
169
Honestly, I despair for this world.
People, just because something happens to you doesn’t mean it happens the same way for all people.
80
@Elizabeth Moore, a friend of mine had to give up her master degree because she didn't concede to her advisor's intentions many years ago. She was the kind of woman you seem to be and she escaped unscathed. However, I think - we lost contact - she never pursued an academic career again. All her years of study were lost. Why didn't she exposed him? Those were the times in which even a woman like her would answer to me that it would be useless, worthless since nobody would support her in the academic world. Thus, you shouldn't talk about the complicity of a few in the face of the harm inflicted to many others.
67
@Elizabeth Moore
Your comment is very much appreciated. Years ago, I was pursued by the brother of a very prominent New York politician who worked in the same hospital where I was on staff. He called repeatedly, he conveniently showed up where he knew I would be at different times, he kept asking me out and would say very suggestive things, and kept at it for weeks on end. I tried to avoid him, but finally pushed back by threatening in a loud and assertive way on one occasion, expecting others could hear, that I would let everyone in his department know what he was doing. That was the last I heard from him.
I read the AP report. One woman, a mezzo-soprano who says she was pursued by Domingo, is quoted as saying, “I finally gave in and slept with him. I ran out of excuses. It was like, ‘OK, I guess this is what I have to do.’” I cannot understand that at all. I am truly sorry for so many women who have been victimized. But I think in some situations women have more control than they think or are willing to use.
71
This is not a story. This is a hatchet intended to ruin the career of Placido Domingo and satisfy the prurience of many readers. A story would be that sexual harassment or battery charges had been lodged against him. My fervent hope is that the opera and orchestral worlds will pay no attention to these scurrilous stories.
72
@Joe Gagen you are entitled to your opinion. It does not mean that you are right.
Many years ago I worked for a foundation in NYC. The head of the foundation confided to me that he had met with a Bishop, who asked his opinion--Domingo was going to do a benefit performance, but Domingo explicitly stated that the Bishop would be required to provide Domingo with women for each of the days that he was in NYC. Maybe you need to rethink your reply.
47
@Joe Gagen - and what if one of the women were your daughter? If she came to you and told you what Domingo did to her and told her he would further her career of he could end it? Would you tell her to be quiet? Or would you report him??
19
maybe you need to seriously name names - I can name you multitudes of women - including myself who have worked with Mr. Domingo and had not one incident - does it happen? women singers can be as vulgar as you are describing Mr. Domingo - rethink that perhaps.
7
If there are no official charges filed criminal or civil , then he should still be able to work until found guilty. Unless he confesses, which it seems he’s done with that statement of saying “I thought they were consensual and Volpe must be in the 4th stage of dementia, if he stands by that statement of never hearing anything about Domingo in this very long career BEFORE becoming General Manager because there are no better gossips than the stagehands.
15
Nonsense.
A company is not obligated to pay someone who harms the reputation of the company through that person’s own actions, whether or not their actions are strictly legal.
He could also be dismissed if his actions violated the company’s employee code of conduct (if they had one!), again whether or not the actions are strictly legal. The article doesn’t seem to address this angle.
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@Angelus Ravenscroft
In Philly the statement announcing the cancellation of Domingo’s appearance with the orchestra included the following:
“In an unsigned statement, the Philadelphia Orchestra Association affirmed a commitment to provide “a safe, supportive, respectful, and appropriate environment” for staff and artists.”
The Philly music scene is still recovering from a very detailed story of abuse at Curtis and how she was ignored and scolded when she reported it. She was 13 at the time, became depressed and eventually left Curtis. She does have a successful career today.
When the story came out in the paper the initial reaction of Curtis was still to try and warn students and alumni not to discuss it. After outrage they were forced to amend their original memo.
Not a good time for Domingo to appear in Philly unless he is definitely clearest. Maybe Nézet-Séguin knows something that Volpe missed.
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@Bashh Sounds like a hatchet job - hopefully Domingo didn't want to perform there:) Mr. Domingo never would stoop so low and hit on a 13 year old girl Mr. Domingo can then save his voice, his talent and get out of Dodge - Philly I mean...
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Hats off the crisis managers. That's really a great script. He certainly sounds like one swell guy.
Sadly, that's the only thing about this or any other such case that I can form any satisfying opinion about. Where are the philosophers when we need them?
B.
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@Ben "Sadly, that's the only thing about this or any other such case that I can form any satisfying opinion about."
It's a news story. Do you really need to form an opinion?
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It must be open season on famous musicians, conductors and actors. Arts venues have historically been known as less conventional sexual milieus. Ingenues beware. But It's possible to draw the line and still end up where you want to be. I wonder how an actress like Glenda Jackson or Helen Mirren dealt with sexual advances?
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“Open season” on the famous? Only the famous ones who behaved in ways that were and are morally repugnant. Only the ones where we have multiple and credible claims of wrongdoing. That’s not exactly “open season.”
And as to your idea that in the arts - or anywhere - it was ever morally acceptable to blackball people who wouldn’t sleep with you, sorry, but no.
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@Marion Francoz Some actresses don't have as much of a problem as do others.
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Doesn't sound like he forced anyone. Sounds like he hit on women and some of them slept with him to advance their careers, like the one with the God comparison. Enough of this victim play now. How many women worked with the man over his long career whom he did not come on to? Women of talent? This smacks of sour grapes or opportunism. I hope this culture of accusation and presumed guilt runs its course soon. Anyone can say everything, and yes, women are humans so they lie and connive and seek revenge, just like men.
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@Jenise Good grief, are we now expected to praise men who don't hit on women in the workplace? What an incredibly low standard of behavior. No one--man or woman--should be pressured sexually by someone who has power over their job. Many workplaces have strict policies to prevent this, and any organization that doesn't needs to create one immediately. It is not women who are at fault because men can't control themselves. The responsibility always lies with the aggressor.
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The idea that the NYT has to reach out to the likes of Stadler and Volpe to discredit these women's assertions is laughable. Perhaps neither truly heard the rumors about Dominingo in the same vein that perhaps others never heard the rumors about Weinstein and Epstein and Trump. You hear what you want to. These are all the acts of privileged men who see women through their own warped misogyny. I am pleased that the NYT reported the story but Me2Too is not a fad.
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@Rosie never heard the rumors? well, you have a point. only people who hear rumors know the truth.
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Some statements in the AP article are false. For example, some women abd the author assert that they did not accuse Placido because 30 years ago sexual harassment in the workplce was not ilegal; I beg to differ; in the 1080's it was ilegal, specially if the guy was a supervisor or manager, an she was at a lower level. But a coworker could be your girlfriend even if you were a supervisor or manager. That's how I met my wife in the 80's. It seems to me that radical feminists want to end courtship at work! All these women could have denounced him if they chose. It's wrong to do it after 30 years! For now, Placido has my support and admiration.
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@perdiz41 you're partly right. in fact, sexual harassment was illegal; the problem was getting authorities to recognize that the incident was actual harassment.
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@perdiz41. Opera wasn't even invented yet in the 1080s!
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Nice try. Just because something is illegal doesn’t mean it’s ever going to be prosecuted. These women didn’t report it then because they would have been ignored and made pariahs.
And it’s not “radical feminism” to not want guys to force themselves on you. It’s called “common decency.” You might ask your wife to tell you truthfully what she thinks about your attitude.
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The "casting couch" with repercussions years later in a he said she said with a distinguished career and reputations tarnished .
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@old lady cook
Takes two to cast on a couch.
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Common knowledge for years, with some women cynically using this knowledge for advancement. Can you blame them? The institutions are set up to turn a blind eye, and very few young artists have the confidence to say no when their career has barely begun. You have to have some kind of faith that there is some other place for you in the teeth of all this Famous Artist quid pro quo. And if a certain kind of operatic career is the only thing you can see for yourself, it may look like the only way.
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“A certain type of operatic career.” Given that the accused was artistic director of Washington Opera and L A Opera and conducts and sings opera at the Met and worldwide, I’d say “any type of operatic career.”
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@KMW There are other ways to be a singer. There is opera which is not mainstream big house opera.
But I take your point.
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@LS I was and still am pretty famous - sung with Mr. Domingo and no - I never had to sleep with anyone - you are wrong!
4