AGMA has retained J. Bruce Maffeo of Cozen O’Connor to conduct the Union's investigation into the multiple allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination against Plácido Domingo.
Today the American Guild of Musical Artists (“AGMA”) opened its own independent investigation into the multiple allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination against Plácido Domingo. AGMA has retained J. Bruce Maffeo of Cozen O’Connor, a former federal prosecutor, to conduct the Union’s internal investigation. Mr. Maffeo has extensive experience conducting similar investigations on behalf of labor unions.
This week the Associated Press published new disturbing allegations of sexual harassment and assault against Mr. Domingo. In the wake of the initial allegations against Mr. Domingo, first published on August 13, AGMA demanded that its signatory companies that employed Domingo launch full investigations into the allegations against him. Since that time, however, the companies that have begun their own investigations have been unwilling or unable to provide AGMA with sufficient assurances about the scope and timing of their investigations, as well as whether or not the findings will be publicly disclosed or otherwise made available to the Union.
“Given the uncertainty surrounding the investigations of our signatory companies, AGMA’s internal investigation will not be limited to conduct that occurred at a specific company or at a particular time,” said AGMA National Executive Director Len Egert. “Our investigation will also examine the systemic failures within the industry that could have allowed this conduct, if substantiated, to continue unchallenged for decades. In light of the seriousness of the allegations, and the number of AGMA members who may have been affected, we believe this investigation is necessary at this time.”
“The health and safety of AGMA Artists is of paramount importance to the Union,” said AGMA President Raymond Menard. “Every AGMA Artist has an absolute right to go to work without fear of sexual harassment, discrimination, or assault. As a labor union, it’s our job to make sure that our employers keep our members safe at work.”
AGMA encourages any members who may have information relevant to this investigation to contact AGMA Eastern Counsel Wendy LaManque at wlamanque@musicalartists.org, to be put in touch with Mr. Maffeo’s office.
All press inquiries should be directed to pragma@musicalartists.org.