Internationally renowned conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner has pulled out of the BBC Proms after an alleged fight with one of his choir singers.
It’s claim Sir John Eliot – who performed at the Coronation of King Charles – hit a bass singer in a backstage bust-up in France.
It’s reported he called the singer William Thomas – a “dozy bugger”.
The BBC had investigated the incident.
It’s said the broadcaster would not have “been comfortable” hosting Sir John Eliot if he had not taken the decision himself to step back.
A statement from Mr Thomas’ representatives said:
“All musicians deserve the right to practise their art in an environment free from abuse or physical harm.
“We can confirm an incident took place after Tuesday’s performance of Berlioz’s Les Troyens with the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique and Monteverdi Choir at La Côte-Saint-André.
“Bass William Thomas is looking forward to continuing the tour with performances in Salzburg, Versailles, Berlin and at the BBC Proms, and will not be making a statement at this time.”
The show featured the Monteverdi Choir founded by Sir John Eliot himself in 1964.
The ensemble will now continue its programme without him.
The conductor flew back to London for medical attention following the backstage row.
