Top Russian soprano axed over Ukraine invasion sues Met Opera

Anna Netrebko requests $360,000 damages after being dropped when manager Peter Gelb demanded she repudiate Vladimir Putin

Soprano Anna Netrebko, once among the Metropolitan Opera's biggest box office draws, has sued the New York opera company and general manager Peter Gelb, alleging defamation, breach of contract and other violations related to the institution's decision to drop her following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The suit, filed in US district court in Manhattan on Friday, asks for at least $360,000 in damages for lost performance and rehearsal fees. Netrebko claims the Met caused "severe mental anguish and emotional distress" that included depression, humiliation, embarrassment, stress and anxiety, and emotional pain and suffering."