Breaking the news through a statement, the opera singer cites 'complexity of the project' as the reason why he decides to cancel his appearance at the Nippon Festival in April next year.

• Nov 9, 2019

AceShowbiz - Placido Domingo has pulled out of pre-Olympics cultural events in Japan, event organisers have confirmed.

According to the Associated Press (AP), the Olympic organising committee officials said in a statement that Domingo has decided not to perform at the Nippon Festival in April (20), and they accepted his decision.

Neither Domingo nor the organisers mentioned sexual harassment allegations against him in relation to his withdrawal from the event, which was to feature him alongside star Kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa, promoting Japanese culture and diversity.

"After thoughtful consideration, I have made the decision not to participate in the kabuki-Opera event due to the complexity of the project," Domingo said in a statement released through the Tokyo organising committee.

He did not give further details about the reason, but shared that he wished for the event to be successful while expressing his hope for a new opportunity in the future in his statement, reported by the AP.

The opera singer's withdrawal comes after the news organisation reported in August on extensive historic sexual harassment allegations against him.

Multiple women told the AP the 78-year-old sexually harassed them during encounters at venues that included opera companies where he held top managerial positions, including in the U.S., from the late 1980s onwards.

Domingo has called the allegations "deeply troubling" and "inaccurate," saying he believed all his relationships were welcomed and consensual.

The Spanish-born star has since dropped out of appearances from several high-profile events.