“While having a secret romance, Haein Lee asked about details of the situation at the overseas camp for after-the-fact evidence collection. “A” was shocked by this realization and is currently undergoing psychological treatment.” Skater A’s legal representative made a statement
The “sexual harassment” incident involving Haein Lee and minor skater continue to evolve.
original source: news.yahoo.co.jp dd. 5th September 024 by Shin Takehiro
Haein Lee, who was suspended from national representation for three years on suspicion of sexually harassing a younger male skater during a training camp had her appeal rejected by the Korea Sports Fair Committee. Now, the victim, referred to as junior skater A, and his legal representative have made a statement. Here’s a translation of some statements posted in the article.
“On September 3rd, the A’s legal representative, released a press statement clarifying that, “Since the announcement of Haein Lee’s appeal results, there has still been turmoil related to that, and baseless speculations have led to reckless condemnation and intimidation of Skater A.”
“During the investigation by the Korean Ice Skating Federation on June 5th, Skater A stated that he did not believe Haein Lee’s actions constituted a criminal act. Athlete A never expressed during the investigation process or at the Sports Fair Committee that he wanted a punishment for Haein Lee, nor did he ever state that they felt shame due to Haein Lee’s actions,” the lawyer emphasized.
Before attending the re-appeal hearing at the Olympic Hall in Seoul’s Songpa District on August 29th, Haein Lee =said, “As a national representative, I should not have been drinking or romantically involved at the camp. I sincerely apologize and will regret this mistake all my life. I only want to clarify that I am not a sexual harasser, more as a person and as a woman than as an athlete.”
However, Haein Lee’s hopes were dashed as the Korea Sports Fair Committee, the next day, announced, “Haein Lee’s re-appeal request is denied.” This effectively confirmed Haein Lee’s three-year suspension from the national team.
On the other hand, Junior Skater A, while acknowledging their relationship with Haein Lee, refuted that he was “greatly confused” at the time when the act considered to be “sexual harassment” occurred during the camp.
Legal representative said, “While having a secret romance, Haein Lee asked about details of the situation at the overseas camp one by one for after-the-fact evidence collection and handling. A was shocked by this realization and is currently undergoing psychological treatment.”
Legal representative stated that A “consistently declared during the investigation by the Korean Ice Skating Federation and the Sports Fair Committee that he wished for a favorable decision regarding Haein Lee.” He continued, “Since A clearly stated such during the investigation, he was perplexed when Haein Lee’s punishment turned out to be heavier than expected. However, after the results of the Sports Fair Committee were announced, it became difficult for A to carelessly express his intentions or disclose the contents of the investigation and statements at the Sports Fair Committee outside, due to the indiscriminate speculation and suspicion that had been raised until then.”
According Legal representative, A intended to draft a petition for Haein Lee at the re-appeal but was declined by the opposing party. “Haein Lee’s lawyer unilaterally set a deadline, demanding actions such as A making comments on Haein Lee’s social media, that could identify A and expose them to the media. Under these pressing circumstances, A’s party decided to release an initial statement, which unfortunately contained some misleading information, and for this, we express regret.”
He further highlighted, “Currently, A and his family are suffering from reckless criticisms and threats based on false rumors and assumptions such as ‘A accused Haein Lee of sexual harassment,’ ‘A accused Player B,’ ‘Investigation against Haein Lee started because of A’s accusations,’ ‘A’s parents pressured the disciplinary results,’ ‘A’s party wanted disciplinary action against Haein Lee.’ As such, our client is encountering excessive blame and intimidation based on false accusations.”
“Thus, as a lawyer, I declare that these are clear criminal acts, and we plan to take appropriate legal measures against those maliciously spreading and reproducing false facts. We request self-restraint in disseminating and expanding false facts related to Skater A in the future.”
Related topics: Haein Lee
I don’t understand the point the title is making.
From the outside at least, the case seems bizarre. I don’t understand why the Korea Sports Fair Committee thinks it can conduct a fair investigation when managers apparently prevent the skaters from speaking freely.
Weird case. Hard to believe Haein Lee being a sexual harasser. (Who would refuse being harassed by her..?) May be she should change sports citizenship as well;) (Disclaimer: I do not know what really happened)