Sexual assault in French skating: its president defends himself

Text by: RFI Follow

In France, accusations of sexual assault are increasing against coaches of the Fédération des sports de glace. Its president Didier Gailhaguet was received this Monday, February 3 at the Ministry of Sports.

Publicity

It is an unprecedented scandal that strikes French figure skating. No less than four women reported sexual abuse by their coach when they were minors. These follow the revelations of former skater Sarah Abitbol who published a book in which she describes the assaults she suffered from hers when she was aged 15 to 17 years old.

► Read also: Sexual violence in French sport: the end of omerta?

At the head of the French Ice Sports Federation since 2007, Didier Gailhaguet is accused of having knowledge of this violence but of having nevertheless left its perpetrators in place. " The number of facts and their spread over time illustrate that beyond the people mentioned, a general dysfunction exists within the French Federation of Ice Sports ," said Minister of Sports Roxana Maracineanu.

The latter therefore asked Didier Gailhaguet to submit his resignation. The principal concerned replied without announcing that he wanted to give up his position. " She did not listen to me and above all she did not hear me. All of these decisions were already made in advance. I made mistakes, I didn't make any mistakes, ”he said when he left the ministry. He will hold a press conference this Wednesday to reveal his side of the story.

Newsletter With the Daily Newsletter, find the headlines directly in your mailbox

Download the app

• France
• Sports

On the same subject

France / Justice

Adèle Haenel case: Christophe Ruggia indicted for sexual assault

Sport / Politics

Sexual violence in French sport: the end of omerta?

France / Justice

Adèle Haenel charges: investigation launched for "sexual assault"