AGMA’s internal investigation regarding the allegations of harassment and discrimination against Plácido Domingo is underway and ongoing. We anticipate that the investigation will take two to three months to conduct and we cannot comment on specifics.
In the past few weeks, AGMA has reached out to our members across the country about issues of harassment and discrimination in the workplace. AGMA has been in regular communication with artists and union leaders at affected locations, including Los Angeles Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. We have encouraged our members to come to the union as a resource to redress and eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace. For example, AGMA members at the Los Angeles Opera recently asked us to provide information and resources regarding anti-harassment and discrimination. In response, we prepared and held a forum yesterday to discuss types and forms of harassment; practical tools for those who witness it (bystander training); and counseling services available for targets of harassment. Additionally, AGMA has a group of leaders participating on the Subcommittee on Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy who meet regularly to advise the Board of Governors on further steps. In addition to what we have done so far, AGMA will continue to identify and implement methods to change the culture in the arts.
AGMA encourages anyone who may have information relevant to the investigation to contact AGMA Eastern Counsel Wendy LaManque at wlamanque@musicalartists.org, or Bruce Maffeo’s office at JBMaffeo@cozen.com or by calling 212-883-4951.
As a reminder, AGMA members who experience sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace have the following options for reporting to the union: by speaking to their delegate, contacting their designated AGMA representative (Business Representative, Executive, or Counsel), contacting AGMA’s National Office at 212-265-3687, or sending a confidential message to reporting@musicalartists.org.