David Daniels, a former acclaimed opera singer and voice professor, has filed a lawsuit against the University of Michigan, claiming that his rights were violated during the process leading to his firing in 2020. Daniels, a celebrated countertenor, is seeking an unspecified financial award in connection with his termination from the prestigious institution.
Allegations of Misconduct and Firing
Daniels, 58, was hired as a voice professor at the University of Michigan in 2015 and was granted tenure three years later in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. However, in 2020, the university fired him after an investigation found that he had solicited at least three students and shared a sexually explicit video with one of them.
These allegations, which led to Daniels’ dismissal, have been a point of contention in his lawsuit. The singer claims that the process leading to his termination violated his rights.
Criminal Case and Guilty Plea
In addition to the university’s internal investigation, Daniels and his husband, Scott Walters, were charged in 2019 in Houston, Texas. A graduate student at Rice University accused the couple of drugging and sexually assaulting him years earlier after they met at a Houston Grand Opera reception.
In 2023, Daniels and Walters pleaded guilty to sexual assault charges and were placed on probation. Despite this, Daniels is still challenging his firing in federal court.
Legal Battle Over Timing of Lawsuit
Daniels’ attorney, Francyne Stacey, argues that the countertenor should not be penalized for waiting more than three years to file his lawsuit. Stacey claims that the criminal case in Texas presented “exceptional circumstances” that delayed Daniels’ action.
However, U.S. District Judge Sean Cox pointed out that Daniels could have filed the lawsuit and then requested a delay while the Texas case played out. The judge did not make an immediate decision regarding the case.
University’s Response to Lawsuit
University of Michigan officials deny that Daniels’ rights were violated during the firing process. They emphasized that Daniels was represented by legal counsel throughout the proceedings.
A former University of Michigan student who made allegations against Daniels is also a defendant in the case. Daniels’ attorney, Deborah Gordon, argued that Daniels and his legal team had “intentionally sat on their hands” and failed to act in a timely manner.
