Gardiner takes some time off after being slapped

British conductor John Eliot Gardiner takes a longer break after clowning. Intermusica said Thursday that the 80-year-old actor will be suspending all engagements until next year and focus on his mental health with medical counselors. “He deeply regrets his behavior and realizes that he had a great influence on his colleagues, whom he deeply values and respects.”

The Sleeping Disc and The New York Times reported last week that Gardiner slapped singer William Thomas backstage at a concert in France after he walked off the podium on the wrong side.

The Salzburg Festival and the Berlin Music Festival then announced that his collaborator Dennis Souza would lead planned performances of “Les Troyens” in Gardiner’s place. Gardiner also canceled attending the classic BBC Proms series in London.

Gardiner was around May at the coronation of King Charles III. conducted in London. Gardiner was quoted as saying in the statement that he is taking a step back to get the help he understands he has needed for a long time. He wanted to apologize to his colleagues who felt mistreated and to anyone who was disappointed by his time off. “I am sad that I have caused so much grief and I am determined to learn from my mistakes.”