Opera Australia release Tamar Iveri from Otello contract

It was announced today that Opera Australia have released Georgian opera singer Tamar Iveri from her contract with the company, confirming she will not be performing as Desdemona in Otello next month.

The singer came under fire last week for anti-gay comments posted on her Facebook wall last year, in which she allegedly referred to homosexuals as ‘faecal masses’ and “welcomed violent attacks against a pride parade.”

Over the weekend, Ms Tameri explained in a statement that her husband had written the comments and posted on the Facebook page without her knowledge.

Opera Australia has been facing pressure in the media and on social platforms over the weekend to dismiss the singer and this morning released the following on their official Facebook Page. 

Statement from Opera Australia regarding soprano Tamar Iveri:

Opera Australia confirms soprano Ms Tamar Iveri will not be performing in Otello.

Opera Australia has reached agreement with Ms Iveri to immediately release her from her contract with the company.

Ms Iveri and her husband have both made public statements in the last 48 hours with regards to comments attributed to Ms Iveri.

Ms Iveri has unreservedly apologised for those comments and views.

Opera Australia believes the views as stated to be unconscionable.

 

It is not yet known who will replace Ms Iveri in the production, which is set to commence at the Sydney Opera House on July 5.

If you haven’t been following this issue, take some time to read up on the situation. Ms Iveri’s Facebook Page and Opera Australia’s Facebook Page are filled with comments and a google search of her name will bring up a multitude of articles on the issue.