AUSTIN, Texas -- Seven women at the Austin Opera have come forward to describe a culture of permissiveness that allowed the opera's artistic director and conductor to inappropriately touch women and make crass comments without consequence.

The women told the Austin American-Statesman that opera executives and board members knew of Richard Buckley's behavior, but chose not to intervene because of his fame and talent.

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On Feb. 1, Austin Opera said it fired Buckley for inappropriate behavior that violated the company's policy on harassment. The opera declined to provide further details. Buckley told the Statesman in a statement that he never intended to offend anyone and that he used humor to "release pressure and defuse tension.''

Buckley was in his 13th season with Austin Opera.