Renowned opera singer David Daniels and his husband, Scott Walters, have pleaded guilty to charges of sexually assaulting another singer in Houston. The plea was entered on Friday, and they declined to give a comment after the verdict.
as the trial was set to begin, both opera singer David Daniels and Walters decided to plead guilty to charges of sexual assault of an adult, a second-degree felony. (Photo: New York Post)
Background of the Opera Singer David Daniels’ Case
Opera singer David Daniels, 57, a respected countertenor known for his performances on opera stages worldwide, and his husband, Scott Walters, 40, found themselves facing allegations of aggravated sexual assault in 2019.
According to the Associated Press, the charges stemmed from an incident dating back to 2010 when the victim, Samuel Schultz, accused the pair of assaulting him after a gathering associated with the Houston Grand Opera, where all three were involved.
Schultz, who was a graduate student at Rice University at the time, claimed that he was invited to opera singer David Daniels and Walters’ apartment following the opera reception. After being offered a drink, Schultz reported that he lost consciousness and awoke later, alone and naked.
Schultz’s courageous decision to publicly identify himself was aimed at breaking the silence surrounding sexual assault and encouraging others who may have experienced similar incidents to come forward.
This is not the first time opera singer David Daniels has faced sexual assault allegations. In 2018, a student at the University of Michigan accused him of inappropriate behavior, leading to his termination as a professor and his removal from a San Francisco Opera production of Handel’s “Orlando.”
The lawsuit filed in a federal court in Michigan detailed allegations of opera singer David Daniels groping the male student, exchanging explicit photos, administering alcohol, and touching him inappropriately.
The Guilty Plea and Sentencing of Opera Singer David Daniels and Husband
According to USA Today, as the trial was set to begin, both opera singer David Daniels and Walters decided to plead guilty to charges of sexual assault of an adult, a second-degree felony.
They were each sentenced to eight years of probation and were mandated to register as sex offenders. The outcome of the case has brought closure to the victim and highlighted the importance of addressing sexual assault allegations within all sectors of society, regardless of the individuals involved.
The guilty plea by opera singer David Daniels and his husband, Scott Walters, in relation to charges of sexual assault is a significant development in a case that has garnered widespread attention.
The allegations and subsequent legal proceedings have cast a spotlight on the issue of sexual assault within the music and academic communities, emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. This case also serves as a reminder that reporting such incidents is crucial for the safety and well-being of all members of society.
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