Las acusaciones de acoso precipitan el final de la carrera de Plácido Domingo en España

Cancelaciones en la Zarzuela, el Real y Úbeda, y la supresión de su nombre en el centro de perfeccionamiento del Palau de les Arts. Tras 60 años de carrera, el ocaso de Plácido Domingo (79 años) en España se ha precipitado y en apenas 48 horas ha pasado de las prolongadas ovaciones a ser señalado como un apestado y perder todas las actuaciones que estaban anunciadas en España en 2020.

Anuncio de cancelación de la actuación de Domingo en Úbeda

El motivo es el informe del gremio estadounidense de artistas musicales que acusa al tenor de "comportamientos inapropiados" de naturaleza sexual, a lo que se ha añadido un confuso comunicado del artista que parecía reconocer los hechos, aunque 24 horas después lo ha desmentido. El informe que imputa una treintena de casos de acoso sexual es ahora además motivo de controversia porque el gremio que lo ha elaborado "intentó negociar un pago de 500.000 dólares" por "costes de investigación" con Domingo y, a cambio, mantener "secreto" el documento, según ha revelado el medio independiente y sin ánimo de lucro NPR, también citado por 'The New York Times'.

La crisis ha sorprendido a Domingo en plena gira de homenajes por su medio siglo de debut en diversos auditorios, entre ellos en el Teatro de La Zarzuela, en donde estaba prevista su intervención el mismo 14 de mayo en que se subió por primera vez al escenario madrileño hace 50 años.

El Festival Internacional de Música y Danza de Úbeda (Jaén) también se ha desprendido de Plácido Domingo "a tenor de los acontecimientos informativos".

Comunicado organización del Festival Internacional de Música y Danza Ciudad de Úbeda

La Asociación Cultural Amigos de la Música informa, mediante este comunicado, y a tenor de los acontecimientos informativos del pasado martes, de la cancelación del Concierto del tenor Plácido Domingo, que había sido programado para el próximo 3 de mayo de 2020.

En los próximos días se informará sobre el procedimiento para la devolución del importe de las entradas.

Así mismo, informamos que la Programación para el 32º Festival de Úbeda será presentada el próximo día 10 de marzo.

Atentamente, la junta directiva de la Asociación Cultural Amigos de la Música de Úbeda.

27 de febrero de 2020.

Adelantándose a la cancelación, el tenor ha anunciado también su ausencia en el Real el 9, 12, 17, 20 y 23 de mayo próximo. "Para evitarles que mi situación pueda afectar, perjudicar o causar cualquier inconveniente adicional, he decidido retirarme de mis próximas representaciones de 'La Traviata' en el Teatro Real de Madrid", señala Domingo en su comunicado.

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AGMA CORRECTS MISLEADING STATEMENTS RELATING TO PROPOSED SETTLEMENT

This afternoon, The New York Times published a piece titled “Disclosure of Plácido Domingo Allegations Scuttles $500,000 Deal.” AGMA seeks to clarify the misperceptions of this article and in recent reports by NPR: the anticipated fine, to our knowledge the largest to be imposed on a union member, was NOT in exchange for AGMA’s silence or to make any “secret deal.”

The potential fine was part of a series of proposed measures to resolve potential internal union discipline which included: a lengthy suspension; mandatory training/coaching; and a sincere public apology. In addition to offsetting AGMA’s legal fees incurred in the investigation, the fine was earmarked to support the Union’s ongoing efforts and new initiatives to prevent sexual harassment in our industries. Additionally, a portion of the fine was to go to nonprofit entities designated by the Union to support targets of sexual harassment and programs to eliminate harassment in our industries. The Union had complete control over how the monies from the fine were to be spent.

Regardless of the fine imposed, AGMA was never planning to publicly release the specific details of its internal investigation, as the Union had assured witnesses of confidentiality. Any suggestion that the Union was being paid to withhold information is patently false.

AGMA thanks the individuals who took part in the months' long investigation for their bravery in coming forward and wants to assure them that we hear them. AGMA has accepted the findings of the internal investigation, which confirmed allegations against Mr. Domingo. AGMA is in the process of determining appropriate action that sends two clear messages: 1) this behavior won’t be tolerated by AGMA and 2) we are leading a national effort to eliminate sexual harassment within our industries. Should any AGMA members become a target of harassment or discrimination, they should notify AGMA immediately by confidentially reporting claims to reporting@musicalartists.org.

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[UPDATED] UNION DISCIPLINARY CHARGES FILED AGAINST PLÁCIDO DOMINGO

On Friday, February 28, the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) announced to its members that formal union disciplinary charges were filed against opera singer Plácido Domingo. This came three days after the Union confirmed its investigation had concluded and had substantiated sexual harassment allegations against Mr. Domingo.

“AGMA stands with the brave individuals who came forward and fought against the crisis of sexual harassment that greatly pervades our industries,” said Ray Menard, AGMA President, who filed the charges in his capacity as a member of AGMA. “Given the seriousness of the confirmed allegations, and the number of members who have been affected, I believe the right, and only thing to do at this stage is to begin formal disciplinary procedures by filing charges against Mr. Domingo.”

It is important to note that AGMA’s leadership cannot impose any penalties without following the applicable disciplinary procedures. Mr. Domingo, like all union members, will be afforded due process and given an opportunity to respond to the charges against him before a hearing panel. Charges could result in a wide range of discipline, from fines, suspension, and censure, to expulsion.

While these proceedings are ongoing, in order to preserve the rights of all involved, AGMA will not be commenting further on the disciplinary proceedings until final resolution of this matter.

“Sexual harassment in the workplace remains a major, unresolved problem across our industries. So many people still don’t feel safe coming forward,” said Leonard Egert, National Executive Director. “AGMA is committed to confronting the systemic failures within the opera, choral, and dance industries which have allowed conduct like this to continue for decades.”

In line with its commitment, AGMA is exploring a partnership with Opera America, and several other major U.S. opera companies, to combat sexual harassment in the industry. This new labor-management coalition will include AGMA membership, signatory companies, support partners, and other stakeholders in a unified commitment to improve culture and prevent harassment in the future.

Should any AGMA members become a target of harassment or discrimination, they should notify AGMA immediately by confidentially reporting claims to reporting@musicalartists.org.