Anita Rachvelishvili Sues the Metropolitan Opera for Discrimination

Mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili has filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Opera in Manhattan Federal Court, alleging discrimination after the company terminated her contracts due to vocal issues stemming from her pregnancy.

According to court documents obtained by the New York Post, the Met canceled her engagements in January 2023, citing “deterioration of vocal quality.” Rachvelishvili had been contracted to perform in Aida, La Gioconda, Carmen, and Don Carlo between 2022 and 2025, with total fees exceeding $400,000.

She stated in the suit that although her “very highest vocal range” was temporarily limited post-pregnancy, she was “willing and able to perform the roles for which she was contracted.” She further alleged that the Met and the performers’ union discriminated against her because of her pregnancy.

“I loved performing on the Met stage and looked forward to returning after the birth of my first child,” she said. “I was shocked that I was not given a chance to recover and all of my contracts for the next two years were immediately canceled without pay.”

She added, “After supporting the Met throughout the pandemic, I am disappointed, to say the least, at this harmful treatment.”

The Post reported that while the Met initially considered a buyout of her contract, it ultimately refused to pay. Rachvelishvili also claimed that the American Guild of Musical Artists declined to file a grievance on her behalf.

Her vocal struggles had been publicly discussed, including in a New York Times article in which Met General Manager Peter Gelb confirmed her removal following a December 2022 performance of Aida. “It was obvious that she was not the same singer — at least temporarily not the same singer — who had conquered our stage so brilliantly,” he said. He added that she was removed from the New Year’s Eve premiere of a new Carmen production and a scheduled solo recital.

Despite facing health challenges, the mezzo continued to perform in houses like Teatro San Carlo and the Greek National Opera. In July 2023, she shared on social media that she had suffered through “very very difficult” years, including severe illness and emotional struggle, but expressed hope for a return.

In December 2024, Rachvelishvili returned triumphantly to the stage as Ježibaba in Rusalka at Teatro San Carlo, receiving critical acclaim for her commanding presence and vocal richness.

The Met has not commented on the lawsuit.