Disputing harassment claims, Placido Domingo says he's a gentleman

Opera star Placido Domingo performs during a concert in Hamburg last month. Photo / AP

Placido Domingo is disputing allegations of sexual harassment against him, saying he has always behaved like a gentleman but that "gallant gestures are viewed differently nowadays."

The 78-year-old Spanish opera legend told the Spanish online newspaper El Confidencial in an interview that he feels strong despite the accusations, which he called a "nightmare."

He said he intends to continue performing at least until the end of his planned engagements running through 2021.

The Associated Press reported in August and September that more than 20 women who worked with Domingo in the opera world accuse him of sexual harassment or inappropriate, sexually charged behavior, including unwanted touching and sudden attempts to kiss them, and of sometimes damaging their careers if they rejected him.

In statements responding to the AP's reporting, Domingo said the allegations were "in many ways, simply incorrect."

Domingo said at the time he believed his "interactions and relationships were always welcomed and consensual," though he noted that "rules and standards" have changed.

In El Confidencial interview, Domingo again stopped short of flatly denying what the women allege, but insisted he had never behaved improperly.

He said Spaniards are naturally "warm, affectionate and loving."

"I have been gallant, but always within the limits of gentlemanliness, respect and sensitivity," he was quoted as saying.

He added: "Gallant gestures are viewed differently nowadays."

He insisted he "never behaved in the aggressive, stalking and vulgar manner that (the accusers) described."

U.S. opera houses canceled Domingo's upcoming performances following the accusations. Domingo resigned from the Los Angeles Opera, where he had been general director since 2003. The L.A. Opera is conducting an investigation into his alleged behavior.

Domingo said he felt he has been unfairly treated.

He said that the "credibility given to the accusations is automatic ... And I've felt prematurely judged, sentenced and convicted," though he has not been charged with a crime.

He said he had never abused his position of power. "I never promised a role in return for favors," he said.

Domingo said he had been through "the most difficult months of my life."

"Everything happened so quickly," he said. "I was able to sit back and reflect on it all only a few weeks ago."

The interview was published just days before Domingo is due to star in Giuseppe Verdi's "Nabucco" at Valencia's Palau de les Arts, starting Monday.

The sexual harassment allegations against Domingo have rocked the opera world in the United States, where he no longer has any appearances scheduled. But European theaters have stood behind him, maintaining all his scheduled dates.

Domingo told El Confidencial he has drawn strength from the support of European theaters and fans, and from family and friends who have stood by him.

"They have been difficult times but things have died down a bit. I'm keeping on working, studying, rehearsing and performing. That has provided me with the calm I need to face this nightmare," he said.

"I still feel strong and healthy."

- AP