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Last weekend, news broke that a tight-knit Cape Town gym community had been rocked by allegations that the gym co-owner had allegedly used his cellphone to film a female member while she was in the shower.

The woman asked not to be identified and the gym was not named, although TimesLIVE called the co-owner at the centre of the allegations a “respected trainer and co-owner of the business which has attracted professional athletes”.

He soon issued a message to gym members expressing “deep shame and regret” and while an in-person apology had been scheduled for last Saturday, that was postponed and replaced by an “open forum” where members could raise concerns.

While the name of the gym and the co-owner may not be public knowledge, those within the industry are well aware of who is involved. Few have spoken out publicly and a source who spoke with TimesLIVE last week said there’s a “big hero worship thing” in play.

Jessica Mouneimne, co-owner of Pride Fighting Academy, took to Instagram yesterday to speak out against the ‘veil of silence’:

 

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A post shared by Jess Mouneimne 🇿🇦☪️🇱🇧 (@_gi_jess_)

TimesLIVE has a summary of some key points:

Mouneimne said she was committed to creating safer spaces for women to train at her gym and through raising awareness.

“This is a story that’s in the public domain and affects people in the fitness space. That indirectly affects all independent small gyms where women come to train,” she said.

“The reality is that when you are a leader in the community, your f*** ups are of public interest.”

Having first posted to her Instagram Stories, Mouneimne received backlash and was criticised by many who think the alleged incident should remain private.

The co-owner accused of filming the young woman is married and has a family.

The gym has also decided against issuing a public statement:

…the female co-owner has declined to comment. The coach, who has since taken a leave of absence, remains uncontactable…

Members of the gym where a phone was found recording in the shower area received a message this week by a coach which read in part, “It is unfortunate that among us, there are those who opted to publicly name and shame using media as outlet and creating a further sense of sombreness. In the same vein, there are those, expressive in their condemnation, but still committed that their health, wellness and fitness goals be realised at the box. Let us respect this.”

Mouneimne makes a good point when she says that expecting other people to factor in that you have a wife and family when you skipped over that part during the alleged filming, is putting the blame in the wrong place.

It remains unclear whether a criminal complaint has been opened at this stage.

[source:timeslive]