François-Xavier Roth has announced he will refrain from conducting the Gürzenich Orchestra following allegations of sexual misconduct.

According to VAN Magazine the conductor said in a statement before today’s rehearsal, “Due to the publication of an article in the press that reveals that in the past I sent inappropriate text messages to musicians, the orchestra that I lead will investigate the behaviors described and collect information on the allegations. For that reason, I have decided not to conduct the Gürzenich Orchestra for now, in order to allow the investigations to proceed in a calm manner. I apologize to all of those whom I could have hurt.”

The news comes after the conductor was accused by seven musicians of sexual harassment and one woman accused him of sexual assault.

Roth was to have conducted at the Théâtre des Champs Élysées on May 22 but was replaced by Adrien Perruchon.