the former gymnast Federico Molinari was denounced for harassment and “grooming” by a 17-year-old student (15 at the time of the events), and in the last few hours, issued a statement in which He “emphatically” denied the objections and stated that he always had a “cordial” relationship with the complainant.
The bronze medalist in the last Pan American Games in Lima 2019 and finalist in the London 2012 Olympic Games claimed to be “incapable of committing any type of abuse or excess with a student” and expressed that “unfortunately, reality has been misrepresented.”
The complaint, filed with the Prosecutor’s Office specializing in crimes related to human trafficking and Child Pornography of the Judicial Department of San Isidro, states that Molinari would have sent inappropriate messages to the girl on social networksabout who also He would have engaged in harassment practices in person.
The complaint against Federico Molinari
According to legal sources, the formal accusation is from March 13 and was made by the mother of the minoras a result of which Molinari had his retirement to the Buenos Aires Gymnastics Federation.
The mother of the young gymnast specified in the complaint that “grooming” by the athlete would have started in 2020 through social networks, especially Instagram. These messages were sent under the ephemeral modality, which disappear once they are read.
in the complaint some of the chats received by the minor from the athlete were exhibited as evidencesuch as one made after a performance: “How you agitated the public, you took all eyes, including mine.”
According to the complainant, these episodes caused the young woman a mental decline that led her to express her desire to abandon artistic gymnastics and for this reason she must resort to psychological treatment.
Those against his wife, Paula Cancio
The mother of the minor stressed that in view of what happened and aware of the messages, she only confronted Molinari, who had promised special treatment and a change of coach.
Since then, Paula Cancio, wife of the former Olympic medalist, began to take charge of the girl’s training, and is accused of having mistreated and discriminated against her in activities and competitions.
The complete disclaimer of Federico Molinari
I write these lines accompanied by my wife Paula Cancio.
First of all, I want to say that as soon as I became aware of the criminal complaint that involves me (but not Paula) I went to court with my lawyers and to this day I have not been summoned and I continue to be available.
This is a complaint made by a mother of a 16-year-old former student -who was trained by Paula-, for an alleged case of “grooming” on my part. It is important to clarify that this does not imply any type of abuse or physical contact with the minor, but rather refers to apparently inappropriate messages from me. De todas formas, I emphatically deny having sent any message with sexual content or meaning. I always had a cordial relationship with the student and the contacts that he maintained with her have been destined to accompany her and lift her spirits in difficult moments that she has had. of course, reality has been misrepresented.
Justice, in which I fully trust, is analyzing the messages and I have no doubt that it will be concluded that he did not commit any crime.
Bearing in mind that the case has become public and that the complainant has made statements in some media outlets, I am obliged to say that Mrs.’s account is full of inaccuracies and confusion and that they differ in large part from an administrative complaint that she had previously demonstrated before the Buenos Aires Gymnastics Federation – from which she decided to temporarily step aside, until this is resolved.
I think it is very important to say that More than a year ago, when the mother learned about the questioned messages, the minor continued to train at our institution for a long time and both continued to maintain a cordial relationship with me., of which I have plenty of evidence –messages, etc.-. That’s why I had a huge surprise when this criminal complaint appeared.
I reiterate that my wife Paula has not been denounced in the case, as it was inaccurately reported. However, it is true that the minor of her had some discrepancy with her, but strictly related to the training itself. In any case, Mrs. and her daughter maintained a correct relationship with Paula until they decided to leave our school.
I am also forced to say in my defense that The complainant has had problems in two gymnastics institutions where her daughter previously trained. Likewise, while the minor was trained by my wife and also by another professional, problems have arisen that are not worth mentioning, but we always prioritize the health of the student.
On the other hand, those who know me know about my career, my passion for sports and teaching and, especially, that I am incapable of committing any type of abuse or excess with a student. I have had more than 5,000 students who have passed through our school -always with free access to classes for parents- and I have never had any inconvenience like the one that motivated this complaint.
I want to express my special thanks for the support he received these days from students, parents, colleagues, friends, etc.
They will know how to understand that I prefer not to speak in the media or give notes. Understanding the interest of the press, but it is a delicate issue that involves a minor and that is already in the hands of my lawyers and especially the Justice, whose decision I await.
My wife Paula has been an eyewitness of many situations, she knows the reality and accompanies me unconditionally.
For her, for my children and for all of you – as well as for my good name and honor – I await a quick and clear resolution from Justice.
PA
