Federico Molinari denied the complaint he received about grooming

Former Olympian Federico Molinari was denounced by grooming (harassment of minors through the Internet) by the mother of a student who attended her school, and she came out to respond.

molinari broke the silence and published a letter in which he gives his version of the facts, in which he qualifies the complaint “full of inaccuracies and confusions”. “I am also forced to say in my defense that the complainant has had problems in two gymnastics institutions in which her daughter previously trained,” she said in her defense.

What is the meaning of grooming?

grooming is the sexual harassment of a girl, a boy or an adolescent by an adult through the internet. People who perform grooming are called groomers or stalkers.

What the Federico Molinari statement says

“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. In any case, I emphatically deny having sent any message with a sexual content or meaning. I have always had a cordial relationship with the student and the contacts I have maintained with her have been aimed at accompanying her and raising her spirits in difficult moments that she has had. Unfortunately, reality has been distorted.

Justice, in which I fully trust, is analyzing the messages and I have no doubt that it will be concluded that I have not committed any crime.

Taking into account that the case has become public and that the complainant has made statements in some media outlets, I am obliged to say that Ms.’s account is full of inaccuracies and confusion and that it differs to a large extent from an administrative complaint that she had previously made before the Buenos Aires Gymnastics Federation -from which I decided to temporarily step aside, until this is resolved-.

I think it is very relevant to say that, more than a year ago, when the mother found out 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 ample proof – 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 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 obliged 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 of 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 I have 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. I understand the interest of the press, but it is a sensitive 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 to many situations, 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.

FEDERICO MOLINARI – PAULA CANCIO”.