Charles Dutoit Accused of Sexual Misconduct

By Francisco Salazar

The Associated Press has reported allegations that conductor Charles Dutoit sexually assaulted four women.

According to reports the incidents happened between 1985 to 2010 and took place in five different U.S. cities. The alleged victims included soprano Sylvia McNair, now 61.

The Grammy award-winning soprano told the AP that Dutoit “tried to have his way” with her after a rehearsal at the Minnesota Orchestra in 1985 when she was 28 years old.

Mezzo-soprano Paula Rasmussen also alleged that Dutoit assaulted her in her dressing room at the Los Angeles Opera in 1991.

The final two accusers, however, opted to remain anonymous noting that Dutoit was still a prominent figure in the classical music world.

The accusations were all corroborated by friends and colleagues and all four women were empowered by the #MeToo movement, especially after the accusations against James Levine.

The accusations also come after a number of Swedish singers reported sexual misconduct at the conservatory and a company member of Opera Australia was also accused of sexually assaulting an underage child.

Dutoit and his representatives have yet to make a statement. Dutoit recently conducted performances of Strauss’ “Salome” at the Verbier Festival and is still scheduled to lead performances with the New York Philharmonic in January.

 

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