Several high-profile South Sydney Rabbitohs players have been accused of exposing their genitals to a young woman via videochat without her consent, representing yet another alleged incident of NRL players getting nude without being asked.
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The Daily Telegraph reports the 23-year-old started a video chat on May 23 with the unidentified players after they communicated on Instagram. One of the players, who were in Auckland after their win over the Warriors, allegedly flashed their genitalia to the woman. Another allegedly showed his bare backside.
She reportedly kept screenshots of the offending video chat.
The woman emailed the club’s football operations manager Brock Schafer, saying the video chat turned from something “funny” to an incident which left her feeling “violated and disgusted”.
Schafer said the club would look into the issue, but subsequent emails from the woman seeking updates on the matter went unanswered. In one of the follow-ups, the woman wrote “I find it disgusting how these boys think they can get away with this crap.”
The club today announced it is investigating the incident in conjunction with the NRL Integrity Unit.
Responding to the report this morning, coach Anthony Seibold said he was only made aware of the allegation yesterday afternoon.
“With regards to the accusations, we take the accusations seriously, as do the integrity unit,” Seibold said.
Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly yesterday said the club would reach out to the woman, and would consult with the players in question.
The alleged incident comes just before the club’s Saturday night clash against the Dragons, and just over a few days after rivals the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs were fined by the NRL over its players stripping down at a Sydney pub.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment or assault, you can call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for access to 24/7 support.
