Renowned soprano Anna Netrebko’s legal battle against the Metropolitan Opera has taken a new turn. In a recent ruling, a federal judge narrowed the scope of her lawsuit to focus on claims of gender discrimination, while dismissing allegations of defamation, breach of contract, and discrimination based on national origin.
The lawsuit, filed by Netrebko in August last year, stems from her abrupt removal from future engagements at the Met after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Met General Manager Peter Gelb had demanded that she denounce Russian President Vladimir Putin, leading to a contentious situation between the opera house and the acclaimed singer.
Despite the dismissal of certain claims, Netrebko remains determined to seek justice and clear her name. Her manager, Miguel Esteban, expressed confidence in the ongoing legal battle and the importance of addressing the issues raised in the lawsuit.
The case has yet to be scheduled for trial, but both sides are preparing for further legal proceedings. The Metropolitan Opera issued a statement expressing satisfaction at the dismissal of several claims and reiterated its stance on the matter.
An arbitration ruling in favor of Netrebko, which highlighted contract violations by the Met, further fueled the ongoing dispute. The legal battle continues to unfold as the renowned singer seeks to uphold her rights and reputation in the face of adversity.
The judge’s decision to allow gender discrimination claims to proceed signals a pivotal moment in the case, shedding light on potential disparities in treatment based on gender. Netrebko’s allegations against male counterparts favored by the Met due to their ties to Putin have brought attention to the issue of gender bias in the opera industry.
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