World figure skating champion denies allegations of student abuse

French figure skating coach Brian Joubert has denied accusations of mistreatment of his students, reports L’Equipe.

The investigation report lists numerous accusations made against Joubert: drunkenness, inappropriate behavior, sarcastic remarks, suspicion of sexual relations with a minor.

During Friday’s hearing, the president of the disciplinary commission, Brigitte Bisson, decided to consider only the “acts of violence” which were reported to her in a letter from the president of the federation Gwenaëlle Nouri dated August 29.

Joubert had to defend himself against accusations made in particular by the coach of a rival club. He, who wished to remain anonymous, said in a letter that he had witnessed the “absolutely inappropriate behavior” of the figure skating champion, his “immense anger”, as well as a “cruel attitude” towards a high-ranking figure skater. level he was training.

Three other witnesses claimed to have heard Joubert “yell” at his students on several occasions, have “outbursts of anger” or tell them that they were “bad”. One of them claims to have seen a coach violently push a student and he fell to the ice. The parents of this skater, who still trains with Joubert, wrote certificates refuting the witness’s testimony. Another person claims to have seen Joubert get angry and expel a young asthmatic girl from the rink.

Joubert, 39, refused to admit his guilt. The commission will make a decision “within 15 days”. “We can no longer coach like in my time, I know that I have less need to raise my voice,” said Joubert.

Joubert became world figure skating champion in 2007 and also has three European titles (2004, 2007 and 2009).

The Team