A famous octogenarian conductor and friend of King Charles has come under fire for allegedly attacking a singer who left the stage from the wrong side — after telling the offender he wanted to throw his beer on his head.
Classical conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner, 80, reportedly hit around William Thomas, 29, an English bass singer, after a show at La Cote-Saint-Andre in France.
Gardiner is performing “The Trojans” with the Orchester Révolutionnaire et Romantique in the southeastern city, classical music website Slipped Disc reports.
The conductor reportedly confronted Thomas about his mistake while the musicians celebrated on the wings, unseen by the audience.
Gardiner allegedly approached the group with half a pint of beer in hand and told Thomas, “I feel like throwing this over your head.”
The 80-year-old conductor is accused of assaulting a musician who left the stage on the wrong side following a performance in France. Getty Images
The 80-year-old conductor then allegedly slapped and punched Thomas in the face.
A rep for Gardiner told the outlet that he suffered from extreme heat and recently switched medications, which may have led to the behavior “which he now regrets.”
Following the altercation, Gardiner announced he was leaving for London to see his doctor, with Thursday’s performance his last.
Gardiner said he will seek specialized treatment following the incident. Getty Images
He also said he would withdraw from all engagements until next year to focus on his mental health and receive treatment from a counsellor, the Guardian reported.
“He deeply regrets his behavior and realizes that it has had a huge impact on a colleague he most admires and respects. Eliot has worked to encourage and support the next generation of talented artists, and he strongly believes that all performers should feel comfortable and safe in their working environment,” a statement from his management read.
The conductor issued a public apology to colleagues “who felt badly treated and anyone who may have been disappointed by my decision to take the time to deal with my problem.”
Bassist William Thomas was allegedly slapped and punched following the performance. Facebook / Will Thomas
Gardiner is a close friend of King Charles and played at his coronation in May. Getty Images
“I am sad because I have caused so much trouble and I am determined to learn from my mistakes,” he said.
Gardiner, founder and artistic director of the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra, has won two Grammy Awards and received more Gramophone Classical Music Awards than any other living artist.
He was chosen by his friend King Charles to lead the first 20 minutes of music at his coronation in May.
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
