Plácido Domingo has withdrawn from all performances of Verdi’s “Macbeth.”

In a statement to the New York Times, Domingo said that he was not returning to the Metropolitan Opera amidst recent allegations of sexual harassment.

Domingo told the New York Times, “I made my debut at the Metropolitan Opera at the age of 27 and have sung at this magnificent theater for 51 consecutive, glorious years. While I strongly dispute recent allegations made about me, and I am concerned about a climate in which people are condemned without due process, upon reflection I believe that my appearance in this production of ‘Macbeth’ would distract from the hard work of my colleagues both onstage and behind the scenes. As a result, I have asked to withdraw and I thank the leadership of the Met for graciously granting my request.”

Domingo continued, “I am happy that, at the age of 78, I was able to sing the wonderful title role in the dress rehearsal of ‘Macbeth,’ which I consider my last performance on the Met stage,” he said. “I am grateful to God and the public for what they have allowed me to accomplish here at the Metropolitan Opera.”

The Metropolitan Opera also issued a statement noting, “The Metropolitan Opera confirms that Plácido Domingo has agreed to withdraw from all future performances at the Met, effective immediately.”

Željko Lučić will take over the full run of performances of Verdi’s “Macbeth.” Paulo Szot meanwhile will take over performances of “Madama Butterfly” in the role of Sharpless.