John Eliot Gardiner releases statement
Florence Lockheart
Friday, August 25, 2023
Following allegations of physical assault earlier this week, the conductor has apologised for 'losing his temper' and promised to 'reflect on his actions'
Following accusations that he physically assaulted bass William Thomas backstage during a performance of Berlioz’s Les Troyens at the Berlioz Festival, conductor John Eliot Gardiner has released a statement apologising for his actions.
The alleged assault, during which Gardiner is reported to have ‘slapped and punched’ Thomas ‘in the face’, took place on Tuesday (22 August) and the conductor has since withdrawn from all future performances of Berlioz's opera, failing to return to the stage to conduct the second half the nightfollowing the incident (23 August) and withdrawing from his upcoming appearance at the BBC Proms to be replaced by assistant conductor Dinis Sousa.
The statement, published by Gardiner's management, Intermusica, is included below:
'I deeply regret the incident which occurred at the Festival Berlioz at La Côte-Saint-André on Tuesday evening and apologise unreservedly for losing my temper immediately after the performance. I make no excuses for my behaviour and have apologised personally to Will Thomas, for whom I have the greatest respect. I do so again, and to the other artists, for the distress that this has caused. I realise how much this has affected all the participants involved in this major project, which has been so dear to my heart.
I have returned to the UK and have decided to withdraw from conducting all the remaining performances of Les Troyens. I wish Dinis Sousa and all the musicians great success for the remaining concerts on the tour.
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.'
