Diva turned off by underwear
2007-01-29 13:36
Sydney - International opera diva Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is being sued for two million dollars for pulling out of a tour with Australian rock star John Farnham, after learning his fans threw underwear at him.
After agreeing to perform with Farnham, Dame Kiri watched a DVD of one of his concerts, which she was said to have found "absolutely horrendous", a Sydney court heard on Monday.
The New Zealander thought Farnham talked too much and was concerned after someone's pants ended up on stage, the court heard.
Three performances of the concert, dubbed Two Great Voices, were planned for Sydney and Melbourne, with tables selling for nearly $10 000.
Following Dame Kiri's withdrawal, the promoter, Leading Edge Events, decided to sue the Maori opera singer for breach of contract.
"It was unconscionable for Dame Kiri to withdraw her services without reimbursing the plaintiff," Leading Edge's lawyer, Richard Evans, said.
Evans, who claimed Leading Edge spent more than $380 000 in preparation for the concerts, said Dame Kiri's former agent Nick Grace knew she was unsure about the performance, but failed to pass on the information to the promoters.
Leading Edge's Frank Williams is claiming more than $600 000 in compensation plus 25% of the show's potential profits.
During cross examination by Dame Kiri's lawyer Anthony McGrath, Williams admitted the dame had told him in "very bold terms" she was concerned by the DVDs.
"She told you that it was absolutely horrendous?" McGrath asked.
Dame Kiri had used "words to that effect", Williams admitted.
The opera singer, who was absent from court, has launched her own legal action against Grace over the failed concerts.