Opera legend Placido Domingo has denied emerging accusations that he has harassed and pressured a series of women into sexual relationships over more than 30 years by repeatedly offering jobs and opportunities.

Nine singers and performers have accused the multiple Grammy Award winner of impropriety, with several saying they were professionally punished when they refused his advances.

One claims Domingo placed his hand down her skirt uninvited, while three others have said the 78-year-old had forced “wet kisses” on their lips.

Six more women say they were repeatedly left feeling uncomfortable by Domingo making persistent sexual overtures towards them.

The reported encounters took place over three decades from the late 1980s, an investigation by the Associated Press news agency found.

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“He was always touching you in some way, and always kissing you,” one alleged victim said.

Dressing rooms, hotel suites and business lunches were all places where the long-married, Spanish-born but US-based superstar would strike, it has been alleged.

“A business lunch is not strange,” said one of the singers. “Somebody trying to hold your hand during a business lunch is strange – or putting their hand on your knee is a little strange.

“He was always touching you in some way, and always kissing you.”

Although only one accuser agreed to be named – Patricia Wulf, a mezzo-soprano who sang with Domingo at the Washington Opera – there were striking similarities in the stories of all nine of those who came forward, AP reporters said.

Repeated patterns of behaviour included Domingo persistently contacting the women – often calling them late at night – expressing interest in their careers and urging them to meet him privately for a drink or a meal under the guise of offering professional advice.

Two of the women said they briefly gave in to the advances for fear they would be jeopardising their careers if they said no to the most powerful man in their profession.

One of them said she had sex with him twice, including at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. When Domingo left for a performance, the woman said, he put $10 on the dresser, and told her: “I don’t want you to feel like a prostitute, but I also don’t want you to have to pay to park.”

The accusations follow a series of high profile and powerful men coming under scrutiny for their behaviour following 2017’s #MeToo movement.

Domingo himself has rejected all suggestions of impropriety.

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In a statement, he said: “The allegations from these unnamed individuals dating back as many as 30 years are deeply troubling, and as presented, inaccurate.

“Still, it is painful to hear that I may have upset anyone or made them feel uncomfortable – no matter how long ago and despite my best intentions. I believed that all of my interactions and relationships were always welcomed and consensual. People who know me or who have worked with me know that I am not someone who would intentionally harm, offend, or embarrass anyone.

“However, I recognise that the rules and standards by which we are – and should be – measured against today are very different than they were in the past. I am blessed and privileged to have had a more than 50-year career in opera and will hold myself to the highest standards.”