Prof. David Daniels.
Professor David Daniels (University of Michiugan photo)
A federal lawsuit filed Wednesday by student Andrew Lipian alleges David Daniels, a renowned opera singer and University of Michigan professor, drugged and sexually assaulted him in March 2017, the Detroit Free Press reports
The lawsuit also alleges the university knew for years of Daniels' sexually harassing behavior and did nothing.
"Shortly after allegations about Professor Daniels from years earlier in another state were shared publicly, the university made a statement, Aug. 22, that Professor Daniels had agreed to take a leave of absence and would not be teaching at U-M this fall," U-M spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said. "All reports to the Office for Institutional Equity that allege actions that may be criminal in nature are transmitted to law enforcement for review.
Freep reporter David Jesse writes:
Daniels has already been accused by at least one other person of similar behavior. He and his partner have been accused of raping a singer after a performance at the Houston Grand Opera in May 2010. That accusation, which was made this August, is still under investigation by police. Daniels and his partner have denied the accusations. Daniels went on leave from his teaching job at U-M earlier this year when the accusation came to light.
The Freep could not reach Daniels for comment.
His university bio says:
David Daniels (on leave fall 2018) is known for his superlative artistry, magnetic stage presence, and a voice of singular warmth and surpassing beauty, which has helped him redefine his voice category for the modern public. The American countertenor has appeared with the world’s major opera companies and on its main concert and recital stages.
He made history as the first countertenor to give a solo recital in the main auditorium of Carnegie Hall. The Chicago Tribune has called Daniels “today’s gold standard among countertenors.” Gramophone magazine acknowledged his contribution to recorded excellence as well as his expansion of the repertoire for his voice type by naming him one of the “Top Ten Trailblazers” in classical music today.
