After the Metropolitan Opera announced its decision to pull the plug on Calixto Bieto’s new production of Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino,” the director’s manager is railing on the company.

In an email to the associated press Susanne Herrnleben said that she “found the decision cruel and disappointing because he has done his best to meet the expectations of an American debut. The production was liked by both public and press in London, and Mr. Gelb, the co-producer, was full of praise as well.” However, Bieto opted not to comment on the matter.

Bieto was to have made his American debut next season with “La Forza Del Destino.” Although his 1999 production of Bizet’s “Carmen” appeared at the San Francisco Opera last year, he did not personally direct it.

Bieto is known for his explosive and revealing productions and he does not skimp away from taking risks.

On Friday the Metropolitan Opera announced that Bieto’s production had been axed from the 2017-18 season to save about $1 million. The staging, a co-production with the English National Opera, premiered in London in November 2015 and received rave reviews. Telegraph called the production “indisputably powerful” while the Guardian noted that “Bieito gave us nothing to disturb beyond the shocking and legitimate tropes of war.”

Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino” has been replaced by four concert performances of Verdi’s Requiem. The 2017-18 season will be announced next month with more details coming soon.