A shocking report has surfaced that ties disgraced tenor Placido Domingo to a suspected criminal sex trafficking ring in Buenos Aires.
The Argentina-based criminal organisation was run from a yoga studio and is alleged to have been involved in the sex trafficking of minors, extortion, and money laundering.
The connection was made after Placido Domingo’s voice was identified in a wiretap conversation with Susana Mendelievich, an alleged group member. Discussions included making plans to meet and how they could avoid being seen together while he was in town to perform in a series of concerts.
According to NPR, Mendelievich is a former pianist and composer who once worked with composer Astor Piazolla and cello superstar Mstislav Rostropovich.
The investigation has led to the arrest of 19 people in Argentina, with an additional seven who remain at large.
A judicial official was quoted in a story published by AP, “Plácido didn’t commit a crime [prostitution is not a crime in Argentina], nor is he part of the organization, but rather he was a consumer of prostitution.”
The official also noted that the organisation has links to other well-known public figures and said their names may be revealed once indictments are filed.
Recap
- In 2019, the international opera star was widely disgraced from North American opera circles after allegations of sexual harassment of 20 female artists over three decades.
- That same year Domingo resigned from performances scheduled with the Metropolitan Opera and left his role as general director of the LA Opera.
- In March 2020, Domingo’s name was removed from the young artist early career program at the Washington National Opera, where he was artistic director (1996 to 2011).
- In 2020, he apologized on his Facebook page, saying he was “truly sorry” without confirming any of the allegations. The statement was widely criticized as insincere.
So what does all this mean for Domingo’s career?
- Many Domingo fans have chosen to stick by the embattled tenor. He maintains a busy performance schedule abroad, particularly in Europe. Upcoming performance dates include Mexico, Spain, Turkey, Germany, Hungary, Paraguay, Bolivia, Belgium, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, and Italy.
- Domingo remains a brand ambassador for the luxury watch brand Rolex.
It is too early to know if the new allegations will affect the 81-years singer’s career, but some are suggesting even his most die-hard fans can’t ignore this.
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