We have received multiple reports regarding an incident involving conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner following a performance of the first segment of Les Troyens at the Berlioz Festival in La Côte Saint André last night.

As per our sources, and with confirmation from an individual authorized to speak on behalf of Gardiner, it appears that Gardiner expressed frustration because the English bass singer William Thomas, aged 29, exited the stage from the incorrect side.

Backstage, away from the view of the audience, the 80-year-old Gardiner admonished Thomas in front of the cast and then physically struck him by slapping and punching him in the face.

This morning, the cast was informed that Gardiner would be promptly traveling to London to consult his doctor. For tonight's performance, his assistant Dinis Sousa will be taking over. Presently, he is still anticipated to proceed with the tour, including stops in Salzburg, Versailles, Berlin, and the BBC Proms.

A representative of Sir John Eliot Gardiner communicated to slippedisc.com that he was affected last night by intense heat in France and speculates that recent adjustments to his medication might have contributed to a behavior that he presently regrets.