OSIC ruling: Nikolaj Soerensen suspended for a minimum of 6 years

[skatfan]

Can I ask two questions? Are we talking about American/NBC commentator’s? Or Canadian?

Off-topic but I want to ask because it’s about 20 posts up …Gabriella and Guillaume no longer speak to each other?

That’s a rumor from David Lease. I’d want confirmation. Are they signed up for any shows this winter?

 

[Amy L]

Can I ask two questions? Are we talking about American/NBC commentator’s? Or Canadian?

The bulk of the conversation is about Mark Henretty, who mostly commentates for the ISU on YouTube and sometimes on Peacock.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

The bulk of the conversation is about Mark Henretty, who mostly commentates for the ISU on YouTube and sometimes on Peacock.

Got it. I had to go back and reread the entire past two pages all over again to make sure I’m following along. I have been so impressed by Mark with his commentating and his knowledge and interviewing. He seems like a very genuine decent guy. I hope he hasn’t caused any harm.

Lately, I’ve been going to Peacock and picking the tiles with no commentation for almost any competition I can. I’m starting to prefer it.

 

[overedge]

ISU Athlete Safeguarding Policy section of their website that's linked in the Statement above: https://isu.org/inside-isu/legal/safeguarding-policy

Copying out the ISU's statement:

04 October 2024 Lausanne / Switzerland

The International Skating Union (ISU) has been informed by Skate Canada of the sanction listed in the Abuse-Free Sport Registry concerning Canadian National Team athlete Nikolaj Soerensen, and it is taking all the necessary measures to comply with the decision of ineligibility for an indefinite period. As a result, the athlete has been withdrawn from all ISU-recognized competitions and will not participate in the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series.

The ISU firmly believes that all athletes have the right to participate and develop in sport within a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment—free from any form of discrimination, harassment, abuse, violence, neglect, or exploitation.

The ISU takes reports of misconduct with the utmost seriousness and recognizes the profound impact such cases can have on those involved. To further strengthen our commitment to athlete safeguarding, we have taken several key steps. These include the appointment of an ISU Safeguarding Officer, the introduction of a comprehensive Athlete Safeguarding Policy, and the enhancement of the ISU Code of Ethics.

Athlete safeguarding is a priority for the ISU and anyone with concerns related to safeguarding can contact [email protected] or via the ISU website Athlete Safeguarding page. All cases are handled confidentially.

The ISU remains dedicated to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all participants and actively safeguard athletes from abuse, harassment and exploitation and counts on the support of the skating community in upholding these principles. Athletes and participants’ safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

As long as coaches like Eteri were and are allowed to do what they did to athletes, with the ISU turning a blind eye to it, none of this means anything.

 

[deegee]

That’s a rumor from David Lease. I’d want confirmation. Are they signed up for any shows this winter?

they did the fantasy on ice tour over the summer (along with f/g & c/b). if a rift has happened, i wonder when?

 

[AnnM]

There were some fairly knowledgeable fans in my section. A few left, and most of the rest gave them golf claps.

This was my observation as well. Knowledgeable fans either didn't clap at all of gave a polite clap. Local Canadians cheered for a Canadian team.

 

[cholla]

I’m French Canadian and if you can, I would like to add the name of this journalist to my growing disappointing media behaviour list.

Je ne savais pas que tu étais Québécois/e I can't tell because I don't know. He had his credentials tied to his backpack and I could not read it. Short, mid 30s, curly dark haired. Local I think as I didn't remember having seen him before and we always meet the same people in the press room and stands.

 

[cholla]

That’s a rumor from David Lease. I’d want confirmation. Are they signed up for any shows this winter?

As much as I hate to say it, DL is right. P/C are no longer on speaking terms. Gabriella will probably tour as a solo dancer with Patinair for a few shows like she did in Douai recently (along with Laurine Bourzat-Lecavelier), but it's not yet signed. The reason behind the fallout goes way beyond the sharing the ice with Sørensen thing and way back. It's up to them to publicly explain. Or not.

 

[cholla]

Side question: Wait, they are not married, are they?? Or have I missed something big?
I know that they have been involved as a couple off ice for many years, but without getting married, I believe?

My mistake. They are apparently engaged but not married. I got it wrong from a video called "Newlyweds game" where they were featured some time ago.

Sorry for posting back to back but the multiquote thingie, for whatever reason, no longer works on my phone. Weird.

 

[Foolhardy Ham Lint]

Got it. I had to go back and reread the entire past two pages all over again to make sure I’m following along. I have been so impressed by Mark with his commentating and his knowledge and interviewing. He seems like a very genuine decent guy. I hope he hasn’t caused any harm.

Lately, I’ve been going to Peacock and picking the tiles with no commentation for almost any competition I can. I’m starting to prefer it.

I have to agree that I like the ISU feed which has no commentary.

One of the best aspects of the Junior Grand Prix broadcast, is that Mark and Ted leave their commentary until after skaters have performed.

Chronic talkers who really have nothing to add to the experience, remind me of folks who sit behind you at the movies and chatter throughout the film.

 

[Desperado]

Je ne savais pas que tu étais Québécois/e I can't tell because I don't know. He had his credentials tied to his backpack and I could not read it. Short, mid 30s, curly dark haired. Local I think as I didn't remember having seen him before and we always meet the same people in the press room and stands.

Thanks - I’ll do a bit of research when I have more time.

Je suis née et j’ai vécue longtemps à Montréal mais suis maintenant franco-ontarienne jusqu’à mon retour dans quelques années, je l’espère.

 

[once_upon]

Why not call it what it is? Sexual assault! Sexual maltreatment sounds like a soft thing. Like sexual harassment, sqeezing butts or touching breasts.

It has the - not a big thing, just a little thing. You know a high school advance not meant to be anything.

Why is he getting by with sexual maltreatment. Call it what is is - sexual assualt

 

[Coco]

My guess is that they could only prove something lesser to the standard requires for a suspension.

 

[marbri]

Why not call it what it is? Sexual assault! Sexual maltreatment sounds like a soft thing. Like sexual harassment, sqeezing butts or touching breasts.

It has the - not a big thing, just a little thing. You know a high school advance not meant to be anything.

Why is he getting by with sexual maltreatment. Call it what is is - sexual assualt

Quick google and one can educate themselves:

https://athletics.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/What-is-Maltreatment-Infographic_Eng_FINAL.pdf

Sexual Maltreatment involving a person over the Age of Majority: Any sexual act, whether physical or psychological in nature, that is committed, threatened, or attempted against a participant without the participant’s consent. It includes any act targeting a participant’s sexuality, gender identity or expression, that is committed, threatened or attempted against a participant without that participant’s consent, and includes but is not limited to, theCriminal Code Offences of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, indecent exposure, voyeurism and non-consensual distribution of sexual/intimate images. Sexual maltreatment also includes sexual harassment and stalking, cyber harassment, and cyber stalking of a sexual nature. Sexual maltreatment can take place through any form or means of communication (e.g. online, social media, verbal, written, visual, hazing, or througha third party).

 

[once_upon]

Sorry it's a soft definition

 

[marbri]

Sorry it's a soft definition

 

[once_upon]

Have you been assaulted? Where people convince you it's not it's just molesting?

 

[marbri]

Have you been assaulted? Where people convince you it's not it's just molesting?

Did you seriously just ask me that? F**k off...

 

[Former Lurve Goddess]

Looking at the the broad categories in the OSIC documentation, it seems to me that as OSIC is not a court of law, they cannot use legal terms such as assault or sexual assault when rendering their findings. FSU's legal eagles likely can comment more on this.

Why not call it what it is? Sexual assault! Sexual maltreatment sounds like a soft thing. Like sexual harassment, sqeezing butts or touching breasts.

It has the - not a big thing, just a little thing. You know a high school advance not meant to be anything.

Why is he getting by with sexual maltreatment. Call it what is is - sexual assualt

 

[once_upon]

Looking at the the broad categories in the OSIC documentation, it seems to me that as OSIC is not a court of law, they cannot use legal terms such as assault or sexual assault when rendering their findings. FSU's legal eagles likely can comment more on this.

Yeah canada, usfs, isu, fraternity, senate, and whoever wants can just do that. They hide behind words as to not destroy reputations.
As an aunt of two women who were sexually assault at frat parties AND went to ER for vaginally scaping with evidence who were convinced it was not anything more than party behavior. And a 11 year old girl was told molestation because she was 11 and it was embarrassing to acknowledge it.



I don't care if the "technical" terms are maltreatment. I don't care which country. There are plenty of examples across all of society.

Whether or not a newspaper or media want to admit it - they know it is assault. Women aren't believed because it might damage the man's future.

It's assault. Somebody must have found her testimony valid.

 

[skatfan]

Somebody must have found her testimony valid.

This. The fact that after 12 years or so they were able to find contemporary evidence to support the victim’s claims to me says it was NOT a close case.

I’m glad that the ban is a minimum of 6 years because we have a lot of coaches who’ve moved around to avoid prosecutions. He should never be allowed near minors.

 

[Willin]

Some of the evidence was apparently pictures from that party left on his instagram for 12 years and only deleted around the time the investigation was announced. They also had medical records from the time of the assault. So it seems there was a lot of good evidence in this case.

 

[Alilou]

Yeah canada, usfs, isu, fraternity, senate, and whoever wants can just do that. They hide behind words as to not destroy reputations.
As an aunt of two women who were sexually assault at frat parties AND went to ER for vaginally scaping with evidence who were convinced it was not anything more than party behavior. And a 11 year old girl was told molestation because she was 11 and it was embarrassing to acknowledge it.

The US knows they are electing a known predator (we cant call him anything more - it's "hearsay" and no semen specimen). They know we put a rapist on the SC (because there is no semen) The ISU know there are assaults. They just don't want to say it aloud.

I don't care if the "technical" terms are maltreatment. I don't care which country. There are plenty of examples across all of society.

Whether or not a newspaper or media want to admit it - they know it is assault. Women aren't believed because it might damage the man's future.

It's assault. Somebody must have found her testimony valid.

Actually I call it rape. Rape is what it is. An assault took place and he raped her.

 

[Former Lurve Goddess]

I’m glad that the ban is a minimum of 6 years because we have a lot of coaches who’ve moved around to avoid prosecutions. He should never be allowed near minors.

I'm really hoping that the "minimum of 6 years" effectively turns into a lifetime ban.

 

[Judy]

As much as I hate to say it, DL is right. P/C are no longer on speaking terms. Gabriella will probably tour as a solo dancer with Patinair for a few shows like she did in Douai recently (along with Laurine Bourzat-Lecavelier), but it's not yet signed. The reason behind the fallout goes way beyond the sharing the ice with Sørensen thing and way back. It's up to them to publicly explain. Or not.

Well hopefully they can repair their relationship ultimately when things calm down.

 

[lily]

I'm hoping that things don't end up like with John Coughlin and Bridget Namiotka...

 

[tony]

^
I don’t see the point in verbalizing that on a public forum, but that’s me.

 

[Jammers]

Why not call it what it is? Sexual assault! Sexual maltreatment sounds like a soft thing. Like sexual harassment, sqeezing butts or touching breasts.

It has the - not a big thing, just a little thing. You know a high school advance not meant to be anything.

Why is he getting by with sexual maltreatment. Call it what is is - sexual assualt

Sounds like a bit that George Carlin did about soft language almost 35 years ago.

 

[Judy]

Definition of sexual maltreatment: Sexual abuse is sexual behavior or a sexual act forced upon a woman, man or child without their consent. Sexual abuse includes abuse of a woman, man or child by a man, woman or child. Sexual abuse is an act of violence which the attacker uses against someone they perceive as weaker than them.

Some people are nitpicking .

In Canada rape is not in our criminal code and has been replaced with sexual assault. Having said that obviously there are different crimes that fall under sexual assault too.

 

[victorskid]

Could we please stop arguing about terminology and concentrate on the fact that there was sufficient evidence to find the skater guilty of an offence within the scope of the investigating agency. Based on that, a ban/sanction of a minimum of 6 years was imposed by the agency. This was immediately accepted and acted upon by both the national federation and the international organization.

Terminology varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction (within countries/across geographical boundaries) both within the legal community and within safe sport agencies, etc.

This case did not qualify for criminal legal proceedings due to the statute of limitations in the area it occurred.

The claimant has had her say about the results.