Opera Australia has dumped Georgian opera singer Tamar Iveri from her impending performances as Desdemona in Othello after a storm erupted over her 'unconscionable' statement likening gay and lesbian people to faecal matter.
Iveri’s comments about the LGBT community surfaced on a Facebook post from May last year. Her letter followed a protest in Georgia by LGBT activists on the International Day Against Homophonia and Transphobia.
The violence was condemned by Margvelashvili, which prompted Iveri’s letter which, in part, stated:
"stop vigorous attempts to bring West's 'fecal masses' in the mentality of the people by means of propaganda. Do not try to wrap this mass in beautiful packages, pour Chanel perfume on it and present it to people as if it was something of medical, recreational qualities..." she wrote.
"No matter how unhappy 'friendly West' might become, fortunately, the Georgian people are well aware of what fruits, offered by the West in their menu, to eat and what to discard. Just like my small dog guesses it."
"No matter how unhappy 'friendly West' might become, fortunately, the Georgian people are well aware of what fruits, offered by the West in their menu, to eat and what to discard. Just like my small dog guesses it."
Members of an international LGBT activist group wrote to the Paris Opera calling for Iveri to be sacked for her comments, after which her performance with the company was reportedly cancelled (as reported by The Age). They had also called on Opera Australia to cancel Iveri’s Australian appearances.
On Friday, following the social media revelation, Opera Australia issued a 'business-as-usual' statement which escalated the furore on social media among the LGBT and Opera Australia subscriber communities.
However, in a statement released today, Opera Australia advised:
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.
23rd June.
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.
23rd June.
The Opera Australia web-site did not list Iveri's replacement at time of writing.
