A renowned octogenarian conductor and friend of King Charles has come under fire for allegedly assaulting a singer who left the stage on the wrong side, after telling the gaffe he wanted to throw beer at his head.
Conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner, 80, reportedly punched William Thomas, a 29-year-old English bassist, after a show in La Cote-Saint-Andre, France.
Gardiner was leading a performance of “The Trojans” with his Orchester Révolutionnaire et Romantique in the southeastern city, classical music website Slipped Disc reported.
The director reportedly confronted Thomas about his faux pas while the musicians celebrated backstage, out of sight of audience members.
Gardiner allegedly approached the group with a half-pint of beer in his hand and told Thomas: “I feel like throwing this over their heads.”
The 80-year-old conductor allegedly assaulted a musician who left the stage on the wrong side after a performance in France. fake images
The 80-year-old driver then allegedly slapped and punched Thomas in the face.
A representative for Gardiner told the outlet that he suffered from extreme heat and recently changed medications, which may have caused the behavior “which he now regrets.”
After the altercation, Gardiner announced that he was going to London to see his doctor and that Thursday’s show would be his last performance.
Gardiner said he would receive specialized treatment after the incident. fake images
He also said he will withdraw from all engagements until next year to focus on his mental health and receive treatment from a counselor, The Guardian reported.
“He deeply regrets his behavior and recognizes that he has had a significant impact on colleagues for whom he has the deepest admiration and respect. “Eliot has strived to encourage and support generations of talented artists, and passionately believes that all artists should feel comfortable and safe in their work environment,” reads a statement from his management.
The driver publicly apologized to colleagues “who have felt poorly treated and to anyone who may feel disappointed by my decision to take time to address my issues.”
Bassist William Thomas was allegedly slapped and punched after the performance. Facebook / Will Thomas
Gardiner is a close friend of King Charles and played during his coronation in May. fake images
“I am heartbroken that I have caused so much distress and I am determined to learn from my mistakes,” he said.
Gardiner, founder and artistic director of the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra, won two Grammy Awards and received more classical music Gramophone Awards than any other living artist.
He was chosen by his friend King Charles to conduct the first 20 minutes of music at his coronation in May.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn