Anita Rachvelishvili sues Metropolitan Opera over contract termination after childbirth

In March 2023, mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili, a 40-year-old singer from Georgia, filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Opera in New York along with her union, the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). She alleged that the Met unlawfully terminated her contracts following a vocal issue she experienced after giving birth. Rachvelishvili stated that the Met canceled her future engagements, citing a supposed deterioration in her vocal quality, an assertion she contested, as she had successfully performed in other major venues during that time. The lawsuit details financial claims exceeding $400,000 due to canceled agreements for roles in several notable operas, including Verdi's "Aida" and "Don Carlo," Carmen, and Ponchielli's "La Gioconda". Furthermore, Rachvelishvili reportedly experienced a temporary limitation in her highest vocal range after childbirth but has since recovered. She criticized the AGMA for not pursuing any grievance or arbitration regarding the perceived breach of her contract, highlighting a lack of support from her union in this matter. Her lawsuit posits that the actions of the Met violated multiple laws, including the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and pregnancy discrimination regulations under New York Human Rights Law. With her attorney Len Egert emphasizing the 'pay or play' provision in the AGMA agreement, he noted that the Met was obligated to pay Rachvelishvili regardless of whether or not they utilized her services. The case is noteworthy as it precedes a scheduled pretrial conference set for July 1, adding tension between the opera company and the renowned singer. As the case draws public attention, the Metropolitan Opera remains tight-lipped, refraining from commenting on ongoing litigation, while AGMA's responsiveness remains uncertain. Rachvelishvili's significant musical achievements since the period of her alleged contract breach underline her capability, contradicting the Met's claims and raising questions about the treatment of performers following maternity.