(Credit: Chad Batka)

The American Guild of Musical Artists has responded to an inaccurate story published by The New York Times regarding its investigation on PLácido Domingo.

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, The New York Times published a story suggesting that the American Guild of Musical Artists and Plácido Domingo’s team had been coming to an arrangement to conceal information of the investigation from the public eye in exchange for a $500,000 fine.

AGMA has since stated that the article was incorrect and that there was no such ”secret deal.” Regarding the reported fine, AGMA notes that it was part of a “series of proposed measures to resolve potential internal union discipline which included: a lengthy suspension; mandatory training/coaching; and a sincere public apology. In addition to offsetting AGMA’s legal fees incurred in the investigation, the fine was earmarked to support the Union’s ongoing efforts and new initiatives to prevent sexual harassment in our industries.  Additionally, a portion of the fine was to go to nonprofit entities designated by the Union to support targets of sexual harassment and programs to eliminate harassment in our industries. The Union had complete control over how the monies from the fine were to be spent.”

The statement also noted that regardless of the fine, AGMA never had any plans to publicly release the specific details of the internal investigation out of consideration for witnesses.

“Any suggestion that the Union was being paid to withhold information is patently false,” the statement continues.