IFPI, the global trade body for the recorded music industry, is launching a “formal inquiry” related to allegations made against opera superstar Plácido Domingo – who, since 2011, has acted as the org’s Chairman.
A Press Association story from earlier today (August 13) cited eight singers and a dancer who all allege to have been sexually harassed by the music executive and performer “over three decades beginning in the late 1980s, at venues that included opera companies where he held top managerial positions”.
In addition to the nine women who have outright accused Domingo of harassment, AP writes that “a half-dozen other women” have told the news agency of “suggestive overtures by Domingo”.
Subsequent to MBW’s story earlier, an IFPI spokesperson told us: “We have only now become aware of the serious allegations that have been reported in the media against IFPI’s Honorary Chairman, Plácido Domingo. A formal [i]nquiry will be undertaken.
“IFPI firmly believes that sexual harassment in any form cannot be tolerated.”
“A formal inquiry will be undertaken. IFPI firmly believes that sexual harassment in any form cannot be tolerated.”
IFPI Spokesperson
In his own statement following the Associated Press report, Domingo called the allegations “deeply troubling, and as presented, inaccurate”.
He added: “I believed that all of my interactions and relationships were always welcomed and consensual. People who know me or who have worked with me know that I am not someone who would intentionally harm, offend, or embarrass anyone.
“However, I recognize that the rules and standards by which we are — and should be — measured against today are very different than they were in the past. I am blessed and privileged to have had a more than 50-year career in opera and will hold myself to the highest standards.”
“The allegations from these unnamed individuals dating back as many as thirty years are deeply troubling, and as presented, inaccurate.”
Plácido Domingo
Domingo was named Chairman of IFPI in July 2011, when it was announced that he would “play a leading role promoting IFPI’s priorities internationally”.
The role of Chairman sees Domingo work closely with IFPI’s respected Chief Executive, Frances Moore, who was named CEO of the org in July 2010.
A former member of The Three Tenors, Domingo’s studio recordings have seen him win 12 Grammys (including three Latin Grammys).Music Business Worldwide
