By Beatriz Pascual Macías
The alleged victims are demanding the singer to be expelled from the
The lawyer, known for her role in the #MeToo movement through her representation of the victims of prominent figures such as disgraced former
QUESTION: You are legally advising three women who were allegedly abused by Domingo: former mezzo-soprano
ANSWER:
In
With Angela's case, he also just made unwelcome advances and would show up at her dressing room and bang on the door and demand to be led in while she was naked, while she was getting dressed, while she was actually performing. And he also told her how fabulous she was and offered her positions told her that she had a great future with the LA Opera and when she rejected his advances and made it clear that she had no interest in him romantically or sexually, he barged into her dressing room and stuck his hand down her dress and grabbed her in a very painful way, groped her in a very painful way. And then after that, all of her job opportunities evaporated. He made it impossible for her to get positions at the LA Opera, which he had promised her.
Q: This week, the
A: We are considering options to hold him accountable and most, particularly now, our focus is to have him removed from the union, which he should be in light of these findings.
Q: But, you mention that you are considering different options, what kind of legal actions are on the table?
A: We're still considering them at this point.
Q: Civil or criminal lawsuits?
A: Not criminal, civil actions.
Q: Are you considering seeking damages in the civil lawsuit?
A: You know, at this point, it is premature for me to answer that. We don't know we're considering options, but right now, our focus is on the union piece.
Q: Under what crime would you take legal action against Domingo?
A: In the US to bring a claim for sexual harassment, under federal law, you would in most states have to go to the
Q: So what kind of lawsuits are you going to file against Domingo?
A: Let me explain sexual harassment. The statute of limitations has expired, but to the extent that he is disparaging or defaming people, by essentially branding them liars, there would still be a statute of limitations that would allow for claims to be brought.
Q: Will he be sued for defamation?
A: For the defamation of the false statements he's making that are impugning the integrity and honesty of these women who have courageously come forward.
Q: You mentioned that your priority right now is Domingo's removal from the
A: Well, the consequence would be he is going to be held accountable by other members of the Union for the behaviour that he engaged in and his choice will either be to participate in the hearing and defend his action. He could agree to withdraw from the union or the end of it, we would hope that any decision-maker would expel him from the union if he refuses to step down. But there needs to be serious consequences here.
Q: The
A: Well, it appears that
Q: After the guild published its report, Domingo said he accepted "full responsibility" for his actions, but then in another statement, he denied having behaved "aggressively" with a woman. What do you think of this?
A: A real apology, not a lawyer and negotiated, carefully crafted one that doesn't really take responsibility for his action. And the fact that he issued one apology and then withdrew it is shocking and has been very upsetting to my clients and others who have been impacted by his behaviour.
Q: How has it made them feel?
A: I don't know if this is a cultural analogy that you know, but in Snoopy and
Q: Domingo was regarded as a legend in the world of opera. Why do you think it is important to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against him?
A: Because no person should be above the law. And as long as powerful individuals believe that they have a right to harass and grope for sex on women, women will never be treated fairly in the workplace and sexual harassment is an abuse of power. It's not about sex. It's about abuse of power. It's a form of workplace discrimination. It's illegal, and someone who engages in that behaviour must be held accountable. EFE
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