Investigation reveals allegations of unchecked abuse inside U.S. figure skating

In an explosive statement released Monday morning, the U.S. Center for SafeSport has shed new light on what it is calling a “a culture in figure skating that allowed grooming and abuse to go unchecked for too long."

The statement stems from SafeSport's investigation into allegations levied against former U.S. pairs champion John Coughlin. In January, Coughlin was suspended by SafeSport for unreported reasons; a day later, he died by suicide. 

In early January, before his suspension was announced, Coughlin denied any wrongdoing in an email to USA Today's Christine Brennan, calling them "unfounded." Following his death, Brennan reported that three claims of sexual misconduct, including two by minors, had been filed against the skater.

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In their statement, obtained by Mashable via email, SafeSport said:

SafeSport also called for "any person with knowledge of abuse, including leaders, officials, coaches, managers, parents or athletes," to reach out with more information.

Monday's SafeSport statement comes amidst recent pressure from the USFS to complete the Coughlin investigation. SafeSport had previously announced it was closing the investigation due to Coughlin's death but USFS wanted a formal completion to the investigation, writing to SafeSport (via USA Today) that "the lack of a completed investigation has produced great uncertainty ... innuendo and continued speculation" surrounding Coughlin.

In Monday's statement, SafeSport reiterated its reasons for closing the Coughlin investigation.

SafeSport is an independent non-profit organization focused on athlete safety from physical and emotional abuse and works with athlete organizations to educate individuals on "abuse prevention techniques, policies and programs and provides a safe, professional and confidential place for individuals to report sexual abuse within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movements."

SafeSport's role as the designated "independent national safe sport organization" was codified by the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017, part of which amended the Amateur Sports Act of 1978.

A detailed explanation of SafeSport's work and relationship with USFS, including participants who have previously faced disciplinary actions, can be found at USFS's website. 

SafeSport's statement and allegations of widespread abuse brings to mind the USA Gymnastics scandal, in which a similar culture of abuse was allowed to fester for years, including hundreds of athletes who were abused by Larry Nasser at Michigan State and on the U.S. Olympic team.

Mashable has also reached out to U.S. Figure Skating (USFS) for further comment and any additional information related to the statement. 

If you want to talk to someone or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. For international resources, this list is a good place to start.

If you have experienced sexual abuse, call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access the 24-7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org.