New York (AFP)

The famous opera singer Placido Domingo said on Tuesday that he always believed that his interactions with women were "welcome and consented" after nine women accused him of sexual harassment in the US press.

In an investigation published Monday by the Associated Press, nine women - eight singers and a dancer, only one who wanted his name to be published, the others remaining anonymous - claim to have been sexually harassed by the legendary singer of Spanish origin , considered the greatest living star of the lyrics.

"The allegations of these anonymous individuals, sometimes dating back 30 years, are deeply troubling and, as presented, inaccurate," said Placido Domingo, 78, also conductor and general manager of the Los Angeles Opera, a communiqué sent by his agent.

"It is painful, however, to hear that I was able to trouble or embarrass anyone - even if it was a long time ago and despite my intentions," says the long-time married star. .

"I thought that all of my interactions and relationships were always welcome and accepted People who know me or have worked with me know that I am not someone who would intentionally hurt, offend or embarrass someone" .

At age 78, the tenor turned baritone argues that "the rules and standards we are - and must be - held today are very different from what they were in the past. had more than 50 years of opera career and will respect the highest standards ".

The nine women cited in the Associated Press investigation accuse Placido Domingo of harassing them over a period of three decades, starting in the late 1980s.

One says that he put his hand under his robe, three others that he would have imposed kisses on them. They evoke moved gestures, such as a hand on the knee during a lunch.

Seven of the nine women reported that their careers had taken a hit after they had rejected his advances, and that they had never been able to work with him again. They were all young and early in their career at the time.

Half a dozen other women spoke of advances that made them uncomfortable.

And about 40 other women interviewed by the agency said they witnessed the star's inappropriate behavior.

These allegations against Placido Domingo are in addition to accusations of harassment or sexual assault against many stars of the entertainment world since the beginning of the #MeToo movement, born in the wake of accusations against the producer Harvey Weinstein appeared in October 2017 .

© 2019 AFP