Georgian soprano Tama Iveri has been fired by Opera Australia after posting gay slurs on her Facebook page.
Iveri -- the daughter of acclaimed baritone Avtandil Javakishvili -- was due to perform in "Otello" in July and August and "Tosca" later this year.
The decision to fire Iveri followed protests over the Facebook post, in which she compared gays and lesbians to fecal matter.
The post -- made 18 months ago -- was a reaction to a gay-pride parade in the Georgian capital, Tblisi.
The opera company called the comments "unconscionable."
Iveri has apologized, saying the comments were posted by her husband and were removed as soon as she saw them.
She said her husband was "deeply religious" and has a "tough attitude towards gay people."
Iveri -- the daughter of acclaimed baritone Avtandil Javakishvili -- was due to perform in "Otello" in July and August and "Tosca" later this year.
The decision to fire Iveri followed protests over the Facebook post, in which she compared gays and lesbians to fecal matter.
The post -- made 18 months ago -- was a reaction to a gay-pride parade in the Georgian capital, Tblisi.
The opera company called the comments "unconscionable."
Iveri has apologized, saying the comments were posted by her husband and were removed as soon as she saw them.
She said her husband was "deeply religious" and has a "tough attitude towards gay people."
