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Judge Dismisses Lawsuit by Opera Singer Against University of Michigan

DETROIT (AP) — A lawsuit filed by renowned opera singer David Daniels against the University of Michigan has been dismissed by a judge. The lawsuit arose following Daniels’ firing, which the university classified as a result of allegations involving sexual misconduct.

U.S. District Judge Sean Cox determined that Daniels did not file his lawsuit within the appropriate timeframe, suggesting that he had waited too long to seek legal action against the university.

Daniels, who is now 58, joined the university as a voice professor in 2015 and was granted tenure in 2018 at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. He was dismissed from his position in 2020 following an investigation that concluded he had engaged in inappropriate conduct with students, including soliciting at least three and sharing a sexually explicit video with one individual, according to university officials.

In a related development, both Daniels and his husband, Scott Walters, pleaded guilty to sexual assault in 2023 in connection with an incident involving a Rice University graduate student. The allegations indicated that the couple had drugged and sexually assaulted the student after a meeting at a Houston Grand Opera event.

Daniels asserted that his rights had been infringed upon during the proceedings that resulted in his termination by the University of Michigan. However, the university contended that Daniels was adequately represented by legal counsel throughout the process.

In its defense, the university cited Daniels’ delay in filing the lawsuit—over three years—as “inexcusable neglect” or potentially a “strategic decision” not to pursue immediate legal action.

In light of the ongoing legal challenges, Daniels’ attorney, Francyne Stacey, remarked that the circumstances surrounding the criminal case in Texas were “exceptional.”

In addition to his lawsuit against the university, Daniels also attempted to initiate legal action against a student who accused him of misconduct. However, these claims were dismissed by Judge Cox on the grounds that they fell under state law, not federal jurisdiction.

David Daniels is known for his prominent performances at notable venues, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the San Francisco Opera.

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