On Friday, February 28, the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) announced to its members that formal union disciplinary charges were filed against opera singer Plácido Domingo. This came three days after the Union confirmed its investigation had concluded and had substantiated sexual harassment allegations against Mr. Domingo.
“AGMA stands with the brave individuals who came forward and fought against the crisis of sexual harassment that greatly pervades our industries,” said Ray Menard, AGMA President, who filed the charges in his capacity as a member of AGMA. “Given the seriousness of the confirmed allegations, and the number of members who have been affected, I believe the right, and only thing to do at this stage is to begin formal disciplinary procedures by filing charges against Mr. Domingo.”
It is important to note that AGMA’s leadership cannot impose any penalties without following the applicable disciplinary procedures. Mr. Domingo, like all union members, will be afforded due process and given an opportunity to respond to the charges against him before a hearing panel. Charges could result in a wide range of discipline, from fines, suspension, and censure, to expulsion.
While these proceedings are ongoing, in order to preserve the rights of all involved, AGMA will not be commenting further on the disciplinary proceedings until final resolution of this matter.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace remains a major, unresolved problem across our industries. So many people still don’t feel safe coming forward,” said Leonard Egert, National Executive Director. “AGMA is committed to confronting the systemic failures within the opera, choral, and dance industries which have allowed conduct like this to continue for decades.”
In line with its commitment, AGMA is exploring a partnership with Opera America, and several other major U.S. opera companies, to combat sexual harassment in the industry. This new labor-management coalition will include AGMA membership, signatory companies, support partners, and other stakeholders in a unified commitment to improve culture and prevent harassment in the future.
Should any AGMA members become a target of harassment or discrimination, they should notify AGMA immediately by confidentially reporting claims to reporting@musicalartists.org.