Ciprès investigation reopened in Florida; FFSG disciplinary committee hearing scheduled

[Sylvia]

Latest from Christine Brennan:

Investigation reopened involving Olympic figure skater and sexual abuse allegation

An investigation has been reopened into an allegation of sexual abuse of a 13-year-old American female figure skater by French Olympian Morgan Cipres.

www.usatoday.com

The Pasco County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office has reopened its investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse of a 13-year-old American female figure skater by French Olympic pairs skater Morgan Cipres in 2017, a spokesperson for the sheriff told USA TODAY Sports.
“I can confirm the case has been reopened due to new or additional information,” spokesperson Amanda Hunter wrote in an email, adding “this is now an ongoing, active investigation.”
Andrea Lewis, the attorney for the skater and her family, confirmed Monday that the girl is “fully cooperating with the investigation.”

This L'Equipe article last week says Ciprès will face the disciplinary committee of the French Federation of Ice Sports (FFSG) on July 9:

Morgan Ciprès devant la commission de discipline le 9 juillet

Le champion d'Europe de patinage Morgan Ciprès, qui avait envoyé en 2017 deux photos de son sexe à une jeune fille de 13 ans, passera le 9 juillet devant la commission de discipline de la FFSG.

www.lequipe.fr

Excerpt from end:

The continuation of the couple's career depends on the decision to be taken by the FFSG's disciplinary committee. This commission is chaired by Me Alain Boulard, and is made up of four other members.

 

[Rock2]

Wowza.

I wonder how the French Federation will handle this, because I assume this is technically an allegation. (I mean we can all be pretty sure what happened, but still...). It's a different game if he either admits doing it to authorities and/or the images are shared and proven beyond a reasonable doubt to have originated through his account.

I would think the result is something along the lines of how SafeSport operates ie rights and priviledges suspended until investigation is completed. But dunno what the new French regime will do with this.

 

[rfisher]

SafeSport has no jurisdiction over Cipres, but this sounds like the criminal case is being ramped up by the FL authorities, which could have significant implications for him to get a visa to the US. The French Fed will determine if he and James can continue as a team. So, two very different albeit related things are happening.

It remains to be seen if Safesport will take any action against Zimmerman and Fontana.

 

[Perky Shae Lynn]

About time. Will take a look whether Z & F photos are still on the main coaching board at the Wesley Chapel arena next time I am there.

 

[bethy135]

So incredibly grateful to see progress here. I was fearful that things would somehow stall and be "forgotten". It makes me teary to hear that this victim is getting some sort of support and validation that what happened to her was wrong. I hope news of this somehow spreads widely through the skating community.

 

[kirkbiggestfan]

The disciplinary commission has a president and 4 members: 5 Men! I actually know two of them and they are reputable attorneys in Paris. However, it is so unbelievable to see that there won't be a woman in the room. Most members of the Federation are women. It is going to take a long time to change the culture that Didier created.

 

[misskarne]

I have no faith in FFSG to do the right thing, but a bit more hopeful for the police investigation.

 

[cholla]

I have no faith in FFSG to do the right thing, but a bit more hopeful for the police investigation.

Problem is, there is no police investigation in France and Ciprès knows pretty well he can't set foot back on US soil as he could be arrested. His fate is entirely into the hands of the FFSG disciplinary commission. If FFSG wants to keep its National certification, he has to be sanctioned.

 

[Marco]

Is it too late for Vanessa James to find another partner and train for BJ Olympics?

 

[MsZem]

Is it too late for Vanessa James to find another partner and train for BJ Olympics?

I doubt she'd want to, and even if she could, it would have to be someone with French citizenship. This seems extremely unlikely.

 

[Colonel Green]

Problem is, there is no police investigation in France and Ciprès knows pretty well he can't set foot back on US soil as he could be arrested. His fate is entirely into the hands of the FFSG disciplinary commission.

I think that rather overstates things. If the US puts out a warrant for his arrest he could face extradition, and even if France refused to go along with it at a minimum his ability to compete internationally would be seriously restricted — he’d be unable to go to Canada or Japan, for sure. And the FFSG would have a PR nightmare if it was actively facilitating the career of somebody who was dodging prosecution.

 

[rfisher]

I have no faith in FFSG to do the right thing, but a bit more hopeful for the police investigation.

Two different countries. If a warrant was issued in the US, it would mean he couldn't return to the US. I doubt they'd ask for extradition and ever actually prosecute. But, it would mean the end of his competitive career regardless.

 

[Orm Irian]

I think that rather overstates things. If the US puts out a warrant for his arrest he could face extradition

France doesn't extradite its own citizens; it would be against the law for them to do so. I'm not sure whether he could be arrested and extradited in a third country though.

 

[MsZem]

I think that rather overstates things. If the US puts out a warrant for his arrest he could face extradition, and even if France refused to go along with it at a minimum his ability to compete internationally would be seriously restricted — he’d be unable to go to Canada or Japan, for sure. And the FFSG would have a PR nightmare if it was actively facilitating the career of somebody who was dodging prosecution.

Like Roman Polanski, who has been living in France since 1978.

In terms of skating, Cipres is done. I guess sending a dick pic was more important to him than his career and that of his partner.

 

[misskarne]

And the FFSG would have a PR nightmare if it was actively facilitating the career of somebody who was dodging prosecution.

Would the FFSG care? It's not like it's hurt Polanski's career and his is a lot more high profile. I don't think they'd care.

 

[Orm Irian]

Would the FFSG care? It's not like it's hurt Polanski's career and his is a lot more high profile. I don't think they'd care.

They'll care because the Minister for Sports still has the nuclear option available, ie removing their accreditation. If no sanction for Cipres means the FFSG effectively ceases to exist, they'll sanction him. The question is to what extent.

 

[cholla]

I think that rather overstates things. If the US puts out a warrant for his arrest

Overstates things? He didn't wait for a warrant to be issued not to return to the US. He hasn't been in the US for the past 9/10 months.

he could face extradition, and even if France refused to go along with it

France does not extradite its citizen, it is prohibited by law.

at a minimum his ability to compete internationally would be seriously restricted — he’d be unable to go to Canada or Japan, for sure. And the FFSG would have a PR nightmare if it was actively facilitating the career of somebody who was dodging prosecution.

FFSG has a more urgent concern : keeping its National certification (the last part of my message that you didn't quote). Every single move of the federation is being scrutinized by the Ministry of sports since the Abitbol scandal. On top of it, 177 cases of sexual abuse and violence in sports (swimming, roller blading, athletics, competitive climbing, and many others) have now been reported to the Ministry special commission in the past 6 months. As I wrote in another post, I don't see how FFSG could now afford to sweep Ciprès' case under the rug and allow him back on competitive ice. It doesn't even have anything to do with a PR nightmare should he come back competing again. It has, first and foremost, everything to do with the survival of FFSG as an entity. They are currently under the threat of getting blown away by the nuclear option. I don't see them risking their existence as a federation to side with a sexual offender. Well, if they do, then they surely deserve to be blown to tiny pieces. Anyway how would he (they) compete again at top level again when they haven't trained for 1 full season + 10 months ? That's far too long of a break. That's also why FFSG may not bother to have him back. Risking to be dismantled for someone who can't medal again would be totally insane. New pairs are currently having try outs. They won't be ready for Beijing but for once, there is something done to develop the French pair field.

Edit : sorry, I was interrupted several times while writing my post and didn't see @Orm Irian's answers

 

[rfisher]

Like Roman Polanski, who has been living in France since 1978.

In terms of skating, Cipres is done. I guess sending a dick pic was more important to him than his career and that of his partner.

That's what happens when you think with your penis and not your brain. He thought he was invincible.

 

[cholla]

That's what happens when you think with your penis and not your brain. He thought he was invincible.

People can think only with what they have. Ciprès has only a penis

 

[barbarafan]

That's what happens when you think with your penis and not your brain. He thought he was invincible.

I don't think he was thinking at all. He was participating in a joke at the request of 2 girls he knew as friends who wanted to win a pizza. Nudity means a lot less in France and some other European countries. Was it a stupid immature thing to do? Yes.He could have just texted the girls that he would order their pizza and pay for it & tell the idiot coach who asked the girls to text him that he was crossing a line. Woulda shoulda coulda . He has lost his career over this and I do not see any sanctions noted about the idiot coach who asked 2 13 yr olds to text Cipres for a picture of his penis. That coach should not be coaching. I doubt very much that the receiving of the requested pics caused the teenagers trauma.It was the threats bullying and pressure of others to insure they kept their mouth shut and perhaps fear of disappointing and angering their parents over their part in the joke. Meanwhile FFSG has successfully knocked off one pair off the podium who could beat any US team competing. What a shame.

 

[rfisher]

He. Knew. Better.

 

[olympic]

Like Roman Polanski, who has been living in France since 1978.

In terms of skating, Cipres is done. I guess sending a dick pic was more important to him than his career and that of his partner.

Roman Polanski's victim was 13 as well.

I agree that his career is finished. The question is will this end Vanessa's career as well.

 

[Vagabond]

Nudity means a lot less in France

Sending pornography to a thirteen-year-old is neither legal nor socially acceptable in France.

 

[MsZem]

I agree that his career is finished. The question is will this end Vanessa's career as well.

Her competitive career for sure, since it's too late for a new partner at this point. She can do shows, solo or with a different partner.

 

[Carolla5501]

I don't think he was thinking at all. He was participating in a joke at the request of 2 girls he knew as friends who wanted to win a pizza. Nudity means a lot less in France and some other European countries. Was it a stupid immature thing to do? Yes.He could have just texted the girls that he would order their pizza and pay for it & tell the idiot coach who asked the girls to text him that he was crossing a line. Woulda shoulda coulda . He has lost his career over this and I do not see any sanctions noted about the idiot coach who asked 2 13 yr olds to text Cipres for a picture of his penis. That coach should not be coaching. I doubt very much that the receiving of the requested pics caused the teenagers trauma.It was the threats bullying and pressure of others to insure they kept their mouth shut and perhaps fear of disappointing and angering their parents over their part in the joke. Meanwhile FFSG has successfully knocked off one pair off the podium who could beat any US team competing. What a shame.

This was not nudity It’s pornography. There’s a difference and sending pornography to minors is not acceptable in France

Don’t try to excuse inappropriate behavior based on cultural differences. Because they’re not that different. All you’re doing is letting your fandom get in the way of your common sense. This was an adult. This was not some teenage boy who just discovered what a penis is for. If he didn’t have a common sense to know this was a bad move than he’s not mature enough to be allowed out in public anyway

And how do you know that getting the picture Was not disturbing? you doubt? are you some kind of expert? No you’re just a person trying to defend an indefensible act.
When your child gets a picture of a penis remember this isn’t the least bit disturbing

unbelievable

 

[Barbara Manatee]

He was participating in a joke ....

I doubt very much that the receiving of the requested pics caused the teenagers trauma.

Oh yes, the "it was just a joke!" excuse, beloved of harassers and bullies everywhere. Soliciting minors to ask for a dick pic is not a joke. It is sexual harassment. Sending a dick pic to a minor is not a joke. It is sexual abuse.

We have absolutely no way of knowing how the girls felt. Yes, they're teenagers, but 13 is a long, long way from 18 or 19. They're children.

 

[VGThuy]

I don't think he was thinking at all. He was participating in a joke at the request of 2 girls he knew as friends who wanted to win a pizza. Nudity means a lot less in France and some other European countries. Was it a stupid immature thing to do? Yes.He could have just texted the girls that he would order their pizza and pay for it & tell the idiot coach who asked the girls to text him that he was crossing a line. Woulda shoulda coulda . He has lost his career over this and I do not see any sanctions noted about the idiot coach who asked 2 13 yr olds to text Cipres for a picture of his penis. That coach should not be coaching. I doubt very much that the receiving of the requested pics caused the teenagers trauma.It was the threats bullying and pressure of others to insure they kept their mouth shut and perhaps fear of disappointing and angering their parents over their part in the joke. Meanwhile FFSG has successfully knocked off one pair off the podium who could beat any US team competing. What a shame.

^ Preserving this post to show an example of how seemingly "normal" people's minds work and why a culture where minors are vulnerable to sexual advances, nonconsensual sex acts, and even assault can run rampant not only in this sport but life in general.

 

[MsZem]

Anyone who wants to suggest that there may have been extenuating circumstances: please reconsider. There are none, this has been discussed ad nauseam in previous threads, and it will get this thread shut down because trying to excuse Cipres's behaviors is not newsworthy and is also gross.

 

[hanca]

FFSG has a more urgent concern : keeping its National certification (the last part of my message that you didn't quote). Every single move of the federation is being scrutinized by the Ministry of sports since the Abitbol scandal. On top of it, 177 cases of sexual abuse and violence in sports (swimming, roller blading, athletics, competitive climbing, and many others) have now been reported to the Ministry special commission in the past 6 months.

Jesus, what’s going on in France. That’s quite a high number, isn’t it?

 

[Colonel Green]

Jesus, what’s going on in France. That’s quite a high number, isn’t it?

In these matters it’s hard to know if it represents a disproportionate number of offended or a disproportionate number of offended actually being reported — unfortunately, history would tend to suggest the latter.