2012 Sexual assault allegation investigated & now ruled upon (Oct. 2024)

[Elizabeth]

Christine Brennan has reported in the USA Today that an allegation of a 2012 sexual assault in the USA is being investigated by Canada's Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC). This involves current Canadian champion ice dancer Nikolaj Sørensen.
The story is being re-reported on various other media.

Skate Canada's statement:


I have chosen not to share any of the details published in the article as the situation is under investigation.

[happyheini]

Bad timing, with Canadians just around he corner, there will speculations and distractions, not only for him but the whole event.

[Elizabeth]

Bad timing, with Canadians just around he corner, there will speculations and distractions, not only for him but the whole event.

Indeed.

It is being reported today that the alleged victim's attorney is saying that Nik should be suspended from competition before Canadians.

[fred]

This is very disturbing. I expect the investigation will get to the truth in this matter, and I know Skate Canada will react appropriately. Sorry to be so cliché about this.
If there's any truth about this, Nik should do the right thing and voluntarily withdraw. He knows the truth, good or bad. It will come to light in time.
It's like a sickness that infects our society and we need to find the cure. Skating, unfortunately, is not immune.
It's a sad situation either way. I've gone through mild shock and upset, very quickly and I'm settling down into a smoldering anger.

[kittykins]

Although everyone is innocent until proven guilty, the allegations are very bad. It makes me sick to think of what this young woman has gone through if it is all true. Could there be other potential victims?! They made the right decision to withdraw from Canadian Nationals.

[Elizabeth]

I presume that this will be challenged or appealed, as the conditions of the ruling permit, but I wonder if he and his partner will be removed from the National Team.

[Elizabeth]

The CBC story: https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/wint ... -1.7340440

Partial quote:

Skate Canada, the country's governing body of figure skating, said in a statement it "has been made aware of the decision from Abuse-Free Sport in this matter and is taking the necessary action to comply with it."

"The ban will be issued by Skate Canada," the statement reads.

Interestingly, Nik and Laurence are scheduled to compete this weekend at the Shanghai Trophy. I expect they will withdraw.

UPDATE - as expected, they withdrew before the Rhythm Dance.

[Elizabeth]

UPDATE: According to the Skate Canada international assignments page https://skatecanada.ca/events/#international
Fournier-Beaudry & Sorensen are no longer listed for the Shanghai Trophy or for Skate America or the NHK Trophy.
They have also been removed from the National Team page: https://skatecanada.ca/high-performance/

[Elizabeth]

The official Skate Canada "ban" - this is from the Skate Canada document: https://lamp.skatecanada.ca/suspended-en.pdf

INTERIM SUSPENSIONS
The following individuals have been placed on an interim suspension by Skate Canada pending completion of investigation and resolution.
...
Nikolaj Soerensen Coach and Registrant – QC Indefinite Suspension – Minimum 6 years
In effect for the following period: October 2, 2024 – To be determined

Interim Suspension: the following individual has been provisionally placed on suspension by Skate Canada pending the outcome of an investigation, appeal and final decision. The individual is not permitted to partake in registrant or member activity as prescribed by Skate Canada.

++++

A statement to the figure skating community from the female complainant shows grace and compassion under terrible circumstances. It includes important points moving forward.

[Elizabeth]

The ISU statement on the sanction and their actions: https://www.isu.org/isu-news/news/65-is ... teParam=15