NEW YORK – Renowned soprano Anna Netrebko’s legal battle with the Metropolitan Opera has taken a new turn as a federal judge narrowed the scope of the lawsuit, focusing solely on gender discrimination claims while dismissing allegations of defamation, breach of contract, and discrimination based on national origin.
U.S. District Judge Analisa Nadine Torres in Manhattan issued a 23-page decision in the case, which was initially filed by Netrebko on August 4, last year.
The dispute arose after the Met severed ties with the Russian soprano in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Met’s General Manager, Peter Gelb, had demanded Netrebko denounce Russian President Vladimir Putin, leading to her removal from future engagements.
Netrebko’s manager, Miguel Esteban, expressed the singer’s commitment to pursuing the case, highlighting her determination to seek justice, restore her reputation, and prove that the Met’s actions were unlawful.
The legal proceedings are ongoing, with a trial date yet to be set.
In response to the judge’s decision, the Met stated, “We’re pleased to see that three of the four claims were dismissed completely and strongly believe that the fourth claim will also prove to be without merit should it go to trial.”
The American Guild of Musical Artists supported Netrebko by filing a grievance on her behalf, leading to an arbitrator ruling in her favor and awarding compensation for violated agreements.
Despite some claims being dismissed, Netrebko’s allegations of gender discrimination against male counterparts with ties to Putin were allowed to proceed, indicating a potential basis for her case.
The judge’s decision to move forward with the gender discrimination claims sheds light on the complexities of the case and sets the stage for further legal proceedings.
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