“There’s a part of me that still wants to live as a figure skater because of what I’ve been through up to now.” Appeal of Haein Lee over harassment allegations was rejected.
Haein Lee’s appeal over harassment allegations was rejected.
original source: Naver dd. 30th August 2024
“Appeal of Korean figure skater over harassment allegations was rejected. Haein Lee wasaccused of harassing a minor during a training camp. The Ethics Commission of the Korean Olympic Committee upheld the punishment. Here’s a translation of the comments posted on Naver.
The Sports Fairness Committee of the Korea Sports Council did not accept the claim of figure skater Lee Haein (19), stating that “it was not sexual harassment because it was a consensual relationship with a junior athlete.”
A representative from the Korea Skating Union said, “We received a notification this morning from the Fairness Committee that Lee Haein’s application for a retrial was rejected.”
In June, Haein stated, “I am said to have sexually harassed or abused a minor, but that is not true. The mentioned minor was a boyfriend I dated during my high school years, and after a breakup dictated by our parents, we reunited at this training camp. We still had feelings for each other, which is why we started dating again there. We decided to keep it a secret as we did not want to inform our parents.”
Furthermore, she explained, “During the federation’s investigation, I couldn’t mention that I was dating him, and hearing that I was accused of sexually harassing a minor felt like the world was collapsing. I thought it was just playful affection between a couple. Even though we didn’t reveal our relationship, I couldn’t imagine that it would lead to such a misunderstanding.”
Lee also disclosed messages that could suggest she was in a relationship with skater A. However, A’s side confirmed a breakup after about three months of dating in 2023 but rebutted that A was emotionally shocked by sexual acts from Lee in an undefined relationship.
Attendee Lee Haein expressed in an interview, “Firstly, I am truly sorry. As a national representative, I have committed a grave error. I deeply regret going to the training camp, drinking, and engaging in a relationship. I reflect on my mistakes every day and continue to repent.”
Nevertheless, she added, “Despite the shamelessness, I attended the retrial hoping to clear my name of being labeled a minor sexual offender. That is all I wish, for it to be revealed that it’s not true.”
Furthermore, when asked if she had contacted the junior athlete afterwards, Lee replied, “No, I never contacted them. There’s a part of me that still wants to live as a figure skater because of what I’ve been through up to now. However, after seeing the articles released by the federation, I was deeply shocked and wounded. It has been an extremely difficult time for my family and me.”
Without the retrial application’s acceptance, the only option left for Lee Haein is to go to court.”
Related topics: Haein Lee
She should go to court. They don’t treat her correctly.