Opera's Domingo faces probe over sexual harassment claims

Opera great Placido Domingo defended himself against multiple accusations of sexual harassment on Tuesday as the Los Angeles Opera opened an investigation into the "concerning allegations" and another group cancelled one of his performances.

In a report by the Associated Press, several women, one of whom was identified, accused Domingo of using his position as one of opera's most celebrated singers to pressure them into sexual relationships.

Eight singers and a dancer told the agency they were sexually harassed in incidents going back to the 1980s. One said Domingo had put his hand down her skirt while three said he had forcibly kissed them.

Some said they felt their careers had been damaged by rejecting his advances.

"The allegations from these unnamed individuals dating back as many as 30 years are deeply troubling, and as presented, inaccurate," Domingo said in a statement sent to AFP via his publicist.

"Still, it is painful to hear that I may have upset anyone or made them feel ...