The Spanish opera singer issues an apology to the women he hurt after a probe by the Union resulted in a 'clear pattern of sexual misconduct and abuse of power spanning at least two decades.'

• Feb 26, 2020

AceShowbiz - Placido Domingo has accepted "full responsibility" for his actions, and apologised, after an investigation by the U.S. Opera Union reportedly found him guilty of sexual misconduct and abuse of power.

The 78-year-old Spanish singer had denied allegations, from more than 20 singers and dancers, that he groped them without consent or used his position to pursue them sexually.

However, according to the Associated Press, the inquiry conducted by lawyers hired by the (American Guild of Musical Artists) showed a "clear pattern of sexual misconduct and abuse of power spanning at least two decades". The findings were reported to AP on condition of anonymity, as those who spoke to the agency were not authorised to do so.

Following the report, Domingo issued a new statement, in which he said: "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."

"I understand now that some women may have feared expressing themselves honestly because of a concern that their careers would be adversely affected if they did so. While that was never my intention, no one should ever be made to feel that way. I am committed to affecting positive change in the opera industry so that no one else has to have that same experience. It is my fervent wish that the result will be a safer place to work for all in the opera industry, and I hope that my example moving forward will encourage others to follow."

The investigation, conducted by lawyers from the firm Cozen O'Connor, saw 55 people interviewed from September until December last year (19).