Opera Star Anna Netrebko Sues Metropolitan Opera after Dropping Her over Past Statements
Russian Soprano Accuses Opera House of Discrimination and Breach of Contract
Netrebko Alleges Political Motivation Behind Decision to Cancel Her Engagements
Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko has filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, alleging discrimination and breach of contract after she was dropped by the company following her past statements.
The famed New York opera house announced on Thursday that the soprano will not appear there this season or next. Netrebko, who has been a regular performer at the Met for over two decades, withdrew from her future engagements rather than comply with the Met's request to publicly distance herself from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In her lawsuit, Netrebko accuses the Met of violating her First Amendment rights by pressuring her to make a political statement that she did not support. She also alleges that the Met breached its contract with her by canceling her engagements without giving her a fair hearing.
The Met has defended its decision, saying that it is committed to "maintaining a respectful and welcoming environment for all members of our community." The company said that Netrebko's past statements and her association with Putin were "inconsistent with the values of the Met."
The lawsuit is the latest development in a growing trend of Russian artists being canceled or boycotted by Western institutions in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Netrebko's case has drawn attention because she is one of the most renowned opera singers in the world, and her lawsuit could have a major impact on the future of cultural exchanges between Russia and the West.
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