The story surrounding Al Cleland Jr.’s reported World Surf League suspension escalated dramatically Monday after his former girlfriend, German professional surfer Noah Klapp, publicly accused him of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse during their relationship.
Klapp, now 23, said the relationship lasted roughly a year and began when she was 17. In a multi-slide Instagram statement, she alleged repeated sexual assault, physical restraint, controlling behavior, and verbal abuse. And a fusillade of support for Klapp followed.
See the post – linked here – and below:
“It is time for me to speak out publicly. I once told Alan Cleland Jr. that if I ever found out about another victim, I would share my whole truth about our relationship,” Klapp wrote, recounting abuse she suffered while dating Cleland at age 17.
Addressing the sport’s reaction to Cleland’s rising profile, Klapp added: “Seeing the surf industry put this man on a pedestal after our relationship—’What a cool guy! CT surfer! Olympian! Always the life of the party!’ Maybe, but behind closed doors a rapist and abuser.” She concluded with a direct challenge: “It’s time to take real action and stop idolizing abusers. So this is it Alan… I MEANT I WOULD TALK.”
Alan Cleland Junior abused me throughout most of our relationship. He often pinned me down on the bed, grabbed me on the wrists, with all his strength. He sexually assaulted me many times…I regret ever meeting him because the damage he caused me is something I’ve been healing within myself for a long time. The things I’ve endured haunt me in my sleep.
Klapp said fear kept her silent for years — including fear that she would not be believed and fear of damaging someone else’s career. She said the recent allegations surrounding Cleland’s reported suspension gave her the strength to speak publicly.
The WSL announced Sunday that a competitor on the 2026 Men’s Championship Tour had been provisionally suspended after the league became aware of allegations “of a deeply serious nature.” The WSL said the conduct allegedly occurred at a private gathering in Tahiti in August and that its Discipline Committee barred the competitor.
The WSL did not name the surfer. Nick Carroll at Surfing World was first to report that Cleland was the surfer involved. It was also reported that the Tahiti allegations involved a teenage Australian female surfer, and at least three other men.
Related: Championship Tour Surfer Suspended After “Deeply Serious” Allegations
Radio1 Tahiti reported that the Papeete prosecutor’s office said no local investigation had been opened. Cleland has not been charged in connection with any allegations and had not publicly responded to them as of this writing.
Klapp’s post quickly drew support from major names in surfing.
Kelly Slater was among the commenters.
Regardless of these current allegations, your own story would be too much. So sorry to hear this. This is a huge issue. I’m disgusted to hear all this. Good on you for having the strength to speak out and let it be known.
Bethany Hamilton thanked Klapp for speaking out. Gabriel Medina, Filipe Toledo, and Miguel Pupo were among the professional surfers publicly showing support.
Tyler Wright also commented.
Thank you for your bravery and the courage it takes to share your story. Rapists and abusers should never be idolised. I hope you are surrounded by love and light.
Klapp also took aim at professional surfing’s culture, arguing that abusive behavior can be normalized or concealed to protect promising athletes.
Her message to other women and girls was loud and clear:
I believe you.
The surf world was already demanding answers.
Now, the story has become much bigger than one suspension.
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