Renowned conductor pulls out of BBC Proms amid claims he ‘assaulted opera singer’
A RENOWNED conductor has pulled out of the BBC Proms amid claims he assaulted an opera singer.
Sir John Eliot Gardiner, 80, allegedly hit William Thomas and called him a “dozy b******” for leaving the stage the wrong way.
His rep said the heat and a change in medication may have led to Tuesday’s clash in France.
Today Sir John, who was due to conduct Les Troyens on September 3, said: “I have decided to withdraw from conducting all remaining performances.
“I make no excuses for my behaviour and have apologised personally to Will Thomas.
“I do so again, and to the other artists, for the distress that this has caused.
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“I have returned to the UK and have decided to withdraw from conducting all the remaining performances of Les Troyens.
“I know that physical violence is never acceptable and that musicians should always feel safe.
“I ask for your patience and understanding as I take time to reflect on my actions.”
He will be replaced by Portuguese conductor Dinis Sousa.
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The BBC said it took allegations about inappropriate behaviour seriously.