Just months after a sex abuse scandal shook elite gymnastics to its core, another appears to be brewing in the world of taekwondo.
At the center are brothers and Olympians Steven and Jean Lopez, who are accused of having sexually assaulted multiple women.
According to USA Today, the brothers were first accused of sexual misconduct more than two years ago, but the inquiry, being run at the time by USA Taekwondo, was put on hold for unclear reasons as the two prepared to participate in last summer's at the Games in Rio de Janeiro. Steven Lopez, a two-time Olympic gold winner, competed in Brazil in the 80-kilogram category, but failed to medal, while his older brother Jean, meanwhile, remained his coach.
The accusations did not go away, however, and earlier this year, USA Today reports, USA Taekwondo's investigating attorney Donald Alperstein contacted the FBI.
Alperstein made the decision to go to law enforcement, he said in a March 22 letter obtained by the newspaper, "because so much of the misconduct occurred in multiple jurisdictions." He also said, according to the letter, that he "felt the Lopez brothers needed to be removed from the sport."
It's unclear exactly how many women the brothers allegedly abused, but according to USA Today, at least four women have come forward with complaints. One is former Olympian Mandy Meloon, who told the paper she spoke with the FBI, which would neither confirm nor deny the investigation, about "stuff that happened on the national team when we traveled internationally."
In a petition posted to Change.org two years ago that sought to bar Jean Lopez from the sport, Meloon detailed her experience, writing that the older Lopez brother began abusing her as a minor while she attended a junior camp at the Olympic Training Center in 1994 when she was 13. She said the abuse continued until she left the team at age 27.
"He started sexually harassing me at that camp, and it continued in the form of sexual assault, physical assault, verbal abuse, mental, emotional abuse, exploitation, slander, forced labor, stalking, blackmail and the loss of my spot on the last 4 Olympic Taekwondo teams," she wrote, making no mention of Steven Lopez.
She added at the time: "The abuse continues today."
The brothers, however, deny the allegations.
"I've never been inappropriate with anyone," Jean Lopez told USA Today, while his brother said he's "never" sexually assaulted or engaged in any untoward sexual behavior with his accusers.
Steven Lopez, 38, is one of the sport's most famous stars, having won five world championships and three Olympic medals. He took home top honors at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and the 2004 Olympics in Athens. He later earned a bronze at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Jean Lopez, 44, never achieved the same greatness in the sport as his brother, but he did take home a silver medal at the 1995 Taekwondo World Championships. Since then, he has found success coaching his brother and other members of the U.S. Olympic team in every Games since 2004.
The Washington Post
Sat Jun 10 2017
This Aug. 22, 2008, file photo shows Steven Lopez (right) celebrating with his brother and coach Jean after defeating Azerbaijan's Rashad Ahmadov in a bronze medal match for the men's taekwondo -80 kilogram class at the Beijing 2008 Olympic.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.