Complaints Filed Against Paris Opera Choir Director
Five women have filed a complaint against Gaël Darchen, the director of the Maîtrise des Hauts-de-Seine, the children's choir of the Paris Opera, for moral and sexual harassment. The Nanterre prosecutor's office confirmed this information on Tuesday evening, following reports from Radio France and Le Canard enchaîné.
One of the complainants has also accused Darchen of sexual assault. Consequently, an investigation has been launched and entrusted to the Brigade for the Repression of Personal Delinquency (BRDP). Despite attempts to reach him, Darchen, who has been the director since 1999, was unavailable for comment. Both he and the president of the Maîtrise stated through their press officer that they have not received any official information or summons regarding the ongoing investigation.
Allegations and Testimonies
The women who filed the complaints were adults at the time of the alleged incidents. The case file includes around twenty testimonies from former students, detailing a range of inappropriate behaviors. Witnesses described comments on physical appearance and inappropriate gestures, such as hands on the buttocks or the palpation of private parts. A former member of the Maîtrise recounted the authoritarian nature of Darchen, who would assume the role of a 'second father' to his students, often isolating them from their families. This toxic environment reportedly led several members to suffer from depression, burnout, or post-traumatic stress syndrome.
The Maîtrise des Hauts-de-Seine, established in 1985, comprises 650 singers aged between five and thirty, divided into twelve ensembles. It has been the children's choir of the Paris National Opera since 1995 and has been based at the Seine Musicale in Boulogne-Billancourt since 2017.
- The allegations against Gaël Darchen have cast a shadow over one of France's most prestigious musical groups. The Maîtrise des Hauts-de-Seine has a storied history and is well-regarded in both national and international circles. The choir's performances have been a staple in the cultural scene, and this investigation could have significant implications for its reputation and operations.
- The cultural complex, Seine Musicale, where the Maîtrise has been based since 2017, is a renowned venue on Seguin Island in Boulogne-Billancourt. The complex is known for hosting a variety of musical performances and cultural events, making it a significant hub for the arts in the region.
