Placido Domingo has seemingly retracted his apology two days after he said sorry to dozens of women who accused him of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour.
The Spanish opera singer, 79, was forced to resign as general manager of the Los Angeles Opera after a total of 20 women including singers, dancers, musicians, and backstage staff accused Domingo of harassment and inappropriate behaviour at opera houses over the last three decades.
On Tuesday, the singer, director, and conductor said in a statement: “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.”
Placido, however, issued another statement on Thursday ‘to correct the false impression generated’ following his original response.
‘My apology was sincere and heartfelt,’ he shared on Facebook. ‘To any colleague who I have made to feel uncomfortable, or hurt in any manner, by anything I have said or done. As I have said it repeatedly, it was never my intention to hurt or offend anyone.
But I know what I have not done and I’ll deny it again. I have never behaved aggressively toward anyone, and I have never done anything to obstruct or hurt anyone’s career in any way.’
He continued in the statement: ‘On the contrary, I have devoted much of my half-century in the world of opera supporting the industry and promoting the career of countless singers.’
‘I will withdraw from the engagements in which theaters and companies find it difficult to carry out those commitments,’ Domingo said. ‘On the other hand, I will fulfill all my other commitments wherever circumstances permit it.
