Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko sues Met Opera over her dismissal

On August 4, Anna Netrebko filed a lawsuit against the New York Metropolitan Opera in the US District Court in Manhattan over her dismissal.

This was reported by the Associated Press.

Netrebko accuses the opera and CEO Peter Gelb of defamation, breach of contract and other violations related to the institution's decision to drop her following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

She asks for at least US$360,000 in damages for lost performances and rehearsal fees.

Netrebko claims that the decision of the opera's management caused "severe mental anguish and emotional distress” that included “depression, humiliation, embarrassment, stress and anxiety, and emotional pain and suffering".

The Metropolitan Opera says Netrebko's lawsuit has no merit.