What began as a suspension from professional surfing has become a formal criminal investigation in French Polynesia.
Authorities in Tahiti have opened an inquiry into allegations that a 16-year-old Australian girl was sexually assaulted at a private gathering following August’s World Surf League Championship Tour event at Teahupo’o. Mexican Olympian Alan Cleland Jr., 24, is among four men reportedly implicated.
According to Polynésie La 1ère, French Polynesia’s gendarmerie is investigating. The alleged victim first filed a complaint in New South Wales, Australia, which authorities forwarded to prosecutors in Papeete. See more information below.
That transfer followed weeks of confusion about which country would handle the allegations.
“On this basis, the Public Prosecutor has tasked the Gendarmerie’s Research Section with conducting an investigation,” Jacques Louvier, a senior Papeete judicial official, said.
Tahitian broadcaster TNTV reported that the investigation opened during the week of October 19. The other men reportedly include another foreign surfer and two photographers, although their precise alleged roles remain unclear.
Surfing outlet Kaya Surf acknowledged the development, writing, “Right now Tahiti has confirmed an investigation,” while emphasizing its commitment to official updates.
As SURFER previously reported, veteran journalist Nick Carroll first identified Cleland as the athlete connected to the WSL’s provisional suspension. The WSL itself has not named him, describing allegations “of a deeply serious nature” relating to a gathering unaffiliated with its event.
Related: Al Cleland Jr.’s Former Girlfriend Goes Public With Abuse Allegations After WSL Suspension
The International Surfing Association, governing body for Olympic surfing, subsequently announced its own suspension, stressing that the decision “does not constitute a determination of wrongdoing.”
Cleland represented Mexico at Paris 2024 and won the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games. Sponsors Quiksilver and Monster have reportedly severed ties with the surfer.
Separately, German surfer Noah Klapp, Cleland’s former girlfriend, publicly accused him of sexual and physical abuse during their relationship.
Those allegations are distinct from the Tahiti complaint, yet nonetheless alarming.
As of the latest reporting, no arrests or criminal charges have been announced. Cleland has not publicly responded, and he remains presumed innocent.
This is a developing story; more to come.
Related: Championship Tour Surfer Suspended After “Deeply Serious” Allegations
Original Post from this site