(London) Prominent classical music conductor John Eliot Gardiner is withdrawing from all commitments until next year due to an incident in which he allegedly punched a singer backstage after a concert.

The British conductor said in a statement on Thursday that he was stepping down to get “specialist help which (he) has acknowledged he has needed for some time”. His agency, Intermusica, said he “deeply regrets his behavior” and intends to seek support.

“I want to apologize to colleagues who felt mistreated and to anyone who may feel disappointed in my decision to take the time to resolve my issues. I am heartbroken to have caused so much distress and am determined to learn from my mistakes,” he said.

Gardiner, 80, allegedly punched William Thomas after the bass singer left the podium on the wrong side after a performance of Berlioz’s opera Les Troyens at the Berlioz Festival in La Côte-Saint-André, in the south-east from France.

According to British newspaper The Times, the bandleader confronted Thomas after the show and slapped him in the face. Gardiner also allegedly punched Thomas on the mouth and threatened to pour a glass of beer over his head.

William Thomas’ agent, Askonas Holt, confirmed that an “incident” had taken place.

“All musicians deserve the right to practice their art in an environment free from abuse or physical harm,” he said.

John Eliot Gardiner is a Grammy-winning Baroque conductor who led his Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque soloists in a performance before guests at the coronation ceremony of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in may. He was knighted for his services to music in 1998.

He has made over 60 appearances at the BBC Proms, an annual summer classical music show. It was announced last week that Gardiner would be replaced when performing at the Proms on September 3.