RT by @mikenov: On November 17, 1955, Maria Callas gave a triumphant performance at the Civic Opera House in Chicago. However, the real drama began after the opera ended. US Petty Officer Stanley Pringle and Deputy Sheriff Dan Smith burst into Callas’ dressing room and handed her a summons for a breach of contract. Maria became furious: “I won’t be sued! I have the voice of an angel! No man can sue me.” The photograph perfectly conveys the intensity of the moment, and after the image reached the press, Maria Callas was nicknamed “The Tiger.” Following the accident, the great opera diva promised never to return to Chicago. More iconic historical photos:

On November 17, 1955, Maria Callas gave a triumphant performance at the Civic Opera House in Chicago.

However, the real drama began after the opera ended. US Petty Officer Stanley Pringle and Deputy Sheriff Dan Smith burst into Callas’ dressing room and handed her a summons for a breach of contract. Maria became furious:

“I won’t be sued! I have the voice of an angel! No man can sue me.”

The photograph perfectly conveys the intensity of the moment, and after the image reached the press, Maria Callas was nicknamed “The Tiger.”

Following the accident, the great opera diva promised never to return to Chicago.

More iconic historical photos:  bit.ly/3vlLOd6

— @fasc1nate Nov 5, 2026