Opera star Placido Domingo apologises for sexually harassing string of women

Spanish opera star Placido Domingo has publicly apologised to a string of women for sexually harassing them.

The singer, who has been in the limelight for more than five decades, said he takes "full responsibility" for the "pain" he caused his victims.

In a statement sent to Spanish news agency Europa Press on Tuesday morning, Placido said he now understands why many of the women who accused him felt they could not speak out "as they worried how that could affect their career".

Since the first allegations broke last August, the opera star said he has "analysed" the complaints and has "grown up with the experience".

"Even though it was not (my) intention, never ever anybody should feel this way," he is quoted as saying.

Fomingo was due to play the Metropolitan Opera in New York in November, but pulled out over allegations of sexual misconduct.

Several women from the classical music industry accused him of inappropriate behaviour across the last three decades.

He originally denied the allegations and protested his innocence.

Several opera houses axed his concerts in the wake of the women's claims and the Los Angeles Opera, which employs him as its general director, launched an investigation into the accusations.