Opera star Plácido Domingo, performs during a concert in Marbella, Spain on July 11.
Jorge Guerrero / AFP via Getty Images
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Jorge Guerrero / AFP via Getty Images
Opera star Plácido Domingo, performs during a concert in Marbella, Spain on July 11.
Jorge Guerrero / AFP via Getty Images
Prosecutors in Argentina linked disgraced opera star Plácido Domingo for a Buenos Aires crime group that fronts sex trafficking, including minors, as well as other criminals.
Last week, police conducted 50 raids against the BA Group, which operates under the name Buenos Aires Yoga School, and 19 people were arrested.
Many channels broadcast in Latin America have been broadcasting excerpts of audio recordings, obtained by wiretaps, include the voice of a man whom authorities believe Domingo is conspiring with members of the alleged criminal syndicate. The dates of these wiretapping recordings have not been made public.
Since 2019 more than 20 women made public misconduct claims against Domingo. Due to those accusations, Domingo broke up with New York’s . Metropolitan Opera House and resignation from his role as general manager of LA Opera in California. In March 2020, Domingo’s name is eliminate from the young artist’s early career program at the Washington National Opera in Washington, DC, where he served as artistic director and then general manager from 1996 to 2011.
In an excerpt from the wiretapping recording from Argentina, a man who prosecutors believe is Domingo is heard talking to “Mendy,” a woman he is said to be planning for. a sexual encounter. On the tape, the man details his plan to leave the dinner separately from agents and other representatives, to evade their notice, so he can see her. Another excerpt includes “Mendy” calling the alleged leader of the crime ring, Juan Percowicz, to celebrate that she confirmed the plan with the man, whom she calls “Plácido.”
NPR has reached out to a Domingo representative for comment but did not receive an immediate response. NPR will update this story if there are any comments from Domingo.
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Now 81 years old, the Spain-born Domingo is formerly one of opera’s most trusted stars and a household name worldwide thanks to his participation in the show. Three terms with Luciano Pavarotti and the late José Carreras.
Domingo’s career abroad persists after allegations of sexual misconduct: he has re-emerged in recent months for performances throughout Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, and he remains a brand ambassador for Rolex watches.
In an admiring profile published by Deutsche Welle in January 2021 praising his “exceptional career”, Domingo refused to address the allegations and said he wanted to “devote himself to other challenges.”
