Olympic figure skater, coaches being investigated for allegations

[ice_tulip]

It seems I'm in the minority here, but assuming the victim is truthful, this is what I think is the most likely scenario:

1) Dispenza is the sicko and abuser. He was grooming the victim and bribing her with pizza when he asked her to request the obscene photo.

2) Cipres got a DM from someone requesting a d*** pic. He probably had no idea who the person sending the request was. Scrolling on his phone, he looked at the sender's photo and saw what appeared to be an attractive woman. Bear in mind that 13-yr-olds can appear quite mature with makeup and instagram filters and can easily look much older than their real age. He probably didn't think anything of it and sent the photo. Was that stupid? Yes, very. Was it child abuse? Inadvertently, yes. Was it a crime and a sign of pedophilia? In my opinion, no. It was a sign of recklessness.

3) Somehow JZ and SF found out about the photo and were horrified. Cipres explained the mistake as above. JZ and SF implored the victim's family not to press charges considering it was all a terrible mistake. The wording in Brennan's article is ambiguous and it is unclear whom she is quoting here: she was a “pretty girl and men have their needs.” I highly doubt that JZ or SF actually wrote or said that. It sounds like someone paraphrasing and Brennan quoting that person.

 

[satine]

Social media as a credible source of evidence? Are IG and its consorts even required to keep server logs on all hundreds of millions of accounts? Privacy laws, child protection laws, many of which are poorly implemented or not implemented at all, going back to 2017?

Slightly off-topic, but I know from my line of work that several social media sites do in fact alert law enforcement of certain activities- at least in the states. Facebook in particular has assisted in providing evidence for legal cases I have personally dealt with. Some others - particularly Snapchat - will offer no cooperation whatsoever :disapp:

 

[satine]

A question: Are coaches mandatory reporters? Here in Canada even as a scout leader I had a legal responsibility to report (and this is back in 1999-2012 period) any acusation by a child against its parents, another leader, or even another youth to the police and the Children's Aid Society.
If coaches are not mandatory reporters in the U.S. then they should be.

I imagine all states would require coaches to be mandatory reporters. In my state pretty much everyone that works with children is a mandated reporter, as well as my neighboring states. Hell, anyone that works with developing pictures (like at our local Walmart photo center) is even a mandated reporter!

 

[Interspectator]

Nor do I comprehend, even for consenting adults, but that makes me a dinosaur as well.

However one thing that I have learned from the youngsters in my orbit is that there are accounts called “Finstas” which stands for fake Instagram accounts. In fact, I was advised by said youngsters to set up “Finstas” for my differering interests (@JasonsBiggestFan, here I come) rather than be a fuddy duddy with my real name and photo. I remain a fuddy-duddy.

So if Morgan indeed sent these photos to an account of @SuzyQ[realname] with profile pics and photos of Suzy skating with her adolescent friends, it’s not just horrendous, it is beyond stupid.

Just a complete mess

It's not just a certain generation that doesn't understand why people send these pictures under any circumstances. When this story broke, I was like .
Googling turned up lots of recent articles on the phenomenon which was interesting. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jan/08/what-makes-men-send-dick-pics
Of course, I knew for a long time how common it was, but I never could understand what made people do it when it is 1.Rude, 2.Unwise, 3.Possibly criminal

 

[ancientpeas]

I think even in the younger generation sending unsolicited dick pics is considered gauche and rude if not harassment. (As I speak for the Gen Yers and Millennials)

Even the thought of sending a naked picture to someone I liked and I knew wanted it gives me the heebees. What if you break up or they get mad at you and put it on one of those revenge porn sites? :no:

Regardless this is not just some guy trying to harass or get attention. This is someone who sending pornography to a child. Porn is often used by predators to help groom and lure children into going further and further with sexual activity.

 

[fzztsimmons]

I think even in the younger generation sending unsolicited dick pics is considered gauche and rude if not harassment. (As I speak for the Gen Yers and Millennials)

Even the thought of sending a naked picture to someone I liked and I knew wanted it gives me the heebees. What if you break up or they get mad at you and put it on one of those revenge porn sites? :no:

Regardless this is not just some guy trying to harass or get attention. This is someone who sending pornography to a child. Porn is often used by predators to help groom and lure children into going further and further with sexual activity.

Millenial here. I absolutely, in no circumstances, want to receive a picture of a dick. Especially from someone I don't know. Unfortunately with the rise in social media (especially tinder, snapchat) occurrences have definitely risen in numbers. I cannot tell you how many times I've opened a snapchat to a picture of a dick (can't find a vomiting emoji which is what I'm looking for). There's definitely not many people my age who want a dick pick... it's not exactly like they're attractive.

However this is different, this is not between two adults, this is between a fully-grown man and a child. I very highly doubt that he didn't know she was 13, especially as they skated at the same rink? And even if the argument is that the instagram profile sending the request was doctored to look like an adult blah blah blah he's still an effing idiot for sending a dick pick, like you're an olympic level elite athlete, have you never thought about blackmail? The person receiving the picture could have done anything with it, so that in itself is pure idiocy.
This whole thing is gross and I am particularly troubled by the idea that Fontana & Zimmerman may have covered this up and may have essentially enabled this to happen. Who knows who else this may have happened to?

 

[Bcash]

I think even in the younger generation sending unsolicited dick pics is considered gauche and rude if not harassment. (As I speak for the Gen Yers and Millennials)

Even the thought of sending a naked picture to someone I liked and I knew wanted it gives me the heebees. What if you break up or they get mad at you and put it on one of those revenge porn sites? :no:

Regardless this is not just some guy trying to harass or get attention. This is someone who sending pornography to a child. Porn is often used by predators to help groom and lure children into going further and further with sexual activity.

You could always use the “disappearing function” on IG, by which the receiver can only see it once.

 

[Bcash]

Millenial here. I absolutely, in no circumstances, want to receive a picture of a dick. Especially from someone I don't know. Unfortunately with the rise in social media (especially tinder, snapchat) occurrences have definitely risen in numbers. I cannot tell you how many times I've opened a snapchat to a picture of a dick (can't find a vomiting emoji which is what I'm looking for). There's definitely not many people my age who want a dick pick... it's not exactly like they're attractive.

However this is different, this is not between two adults, this is between a fully-grown man and a child. I very highly doubt that he didn't know she was 13, especially as they skated at the same rink? And even if the argument is that the instagram profile sending the request was doctored to look like an adult blah blah blah he's still an effing idiot for sending a dick pick, like you're an olympic level elite athlete, have you never thought about blackmail? The person receiving the picture could have done anything with it, so that in itself is pure idiocy.
This whole thing is gross and I am particularly troubled by the idea that Fontana & Zimmerman may have covered this up and may have essentially enabled this to happen. Who knows who else this may have happened to?

It’s likely that he knew who the girl asking for his pic was. It’s also possible he did not know her (an Olympic skater and someone novice-intermediate not in the same discipline?), and that he did not know it was this girl who asked for the photo. But the report is somewhat unclear as to what happened on Instagram. Did Morgen send those almost unsolicited? What was the prior message like? Did she write it herself? I know when I was 13 I wouldn’t know how or dare to ask some famous person on their social media account for a nude photo, which makes it even stranger given that she wasn’t forced or intimidated to send that message initially.

 

[Alegria]

Read the USA Today article by Christine Brennan starting paragraph 4 - the timeline indicated on Dec. 3, 2017 the pictures were sent/received and by paragraph 6 “Zimmerman and Fontana, who are married to each other, were made aware of the photos in a meeting with Dispenza at their home that evening, the girl and her parents said.” It was inferred.

If parents knew about this from the very first day, so how this was possible: "Zimmerman and Fontana intimidated the girl for several weeks"? If this true, then they failed to protect their daughter.

 

[karne]

For those who keep trying to come up with excuses for Cipres, Instagram messaging - you have access to the person's profile. It's a very, very rare case that a 13 year old will genuinely look 18. The onus is still on Cipres to make sure.

 

[CherylDee]

As I sit here looking over these posts, my heart is heavy and all I can think is remember Emmett Till, a 14 year old boy accused by a 21 year old woman of looking at her, and he was kidnapped, mutilated, shot in the head and dumped in a river [lynched], all without so much of any due process of law....only for years later, the accuser to admit she lied about what happened.

And it's funny, I am currently working on a project about the advancements in Artificial Intelligence, but as I read these posts I'm only reminded of how little advancement there has been in human intelligence. The original violent mob with guns, pitchforks, and torches on the ready with the mere mention of an accusation, still exists. One poster is already prepared to see Morgan serving time in a Florida prison!

No, no evidence is needed. All that is require is the mention of the word, and the bloodletting begins. Look, I am just as shocked as everyone else with this news, but the behavior here is abhorrent, to say the least among a supposedly sophisticated, classical, and artistic-loving crowd. This is so very shameful. :hopelessness:

But don't let me spoil your fun, continue....but remember Emmett Till and see his open casket of the mutilation he incurred as the result of an unfounded accusation; along with the countless other victims of such vile sentiments which history can affirm.

I am not saying Morgan is innocent and he did nothing wrong, but what I am saying is let there be due process, and justice will be served to protect the innocent.

 

[nussnacker]

As I sit here looking over these posts, my heart is heavy and all I can think is remember Emmett Till, a 14 year old boy accused by a 21 year old women of looking at her, and he was kidnapped, mutilated, shot in the head and dumped in a river [lynched], all without so much of any due process of law....only for years later, the accuser to admit she lied about what happened.

And it's funny, I am currently working on a project about the advancements in Artificial Intelligence, but as I read these posts I'm only reminded of how little advancement there has been in human intelligence. The original violent mob with guns, pitchforks, and torches on the ready with the mere mention of an accusation, still exists. One poster is already prepared to see Morgan serving time in a Florida prison!

No, no evidence is needed. All that is require is the mention of the word, and the bloodletting begins. Look, I am just as shocked as everyone else with this news, but the behavior here is abhorrent, to say the least among a supposedly sophisticated, classical, and artistic-loving crowd. This is so very shameful. :hopelessness:

But don't let me spoil your fun, continue....but remember Emmett Till and see his open casket of the mutilation he incurred as the result of an unfounded accusation; along with the countless other victims of such vile sentiments which history can affirm.

I am not saying Morgan is innocent and he did nothing wrong, but what I am saying is let there be due process, and justice will be served to protect the innocent.

Out of respect to african americans, and all the atrocities they've been through, I kindly ask you NOT to compare the cases of Emmett Till and Morgan Cipres.

 

[CherylDee]

Out of respect to african americans, and all the atrocities they've been through, I kindly ask you NOT to compare the cases of Emmett Till and Morgan Cipres.

Out of respect for African Americans PLEASE CAPITALIZE! And you can always choose not to read.

 

[nussnacker]

Out of respect for African Americans PLEASE CAPITALIZE! And you can always choose not to read.

wow... good day, maam

 

[CherylDee]

wow... good day, maam

Good day to you too! But remember my message: just withhold judgement and let justice prevail. Thank you.

 

[macy]

yikes.

 

[CherylDee]

wow... good day, maam

I am sorry if I got a little testy with you, and I appreciate you being aware of the case of Emmett Till. Thank you. But the bloodshed of my ancestors must not be allowed to have been in vain. We must not allow those lessons and experiences to be lost to history. They must be remembered and applied where applicable, and I find this case to be applicable and worthy of those lessons.

 

[ancientpeas]

My favourite American history professor was an expat civil rights advocate (white but very vocal in his views on Jim Crowe laws and other aspects of racism in American History). He actually loved to play historical songs in class and played us "Strange Fruit" and half of us were crying so the thought of someone using it for skating was astonishing to me. And not in a good way.

Emmett Till's case was a tragedy. What has continued to happen to African American's in the USA (and Canada) is criminal. However he was targeted not because he was male but because he was male and AA. Morgan is a privileged white man. He will not be denied justice. In fact public opinion and the court system will bend over backward to make sure he is not held responsible. If this was a male P.O.C. skater (Like Elladj Balde) I would be totally willing to believe that he might not receive his fair shake in the justice system. However Morgan will be able to afford a good lawyer and the courts will be easier on him than on any minority. Look at the case of Brock Turner. Does anyone believe that if Brock Turner had been hispanic or AA he would have gotten 6 months?

As far as the legal system goes Morgan will receive all the benefits. I have little doubt he will not be held fully accountable legally. Just like with other athletes with uncomfortable pasts it will soon be forgotten and people will go back to liking him. What is the fate of one little girl against a famous man?

I have immense problems defending Morgan for sending this photo. It is personally extremely problematic for me. I am survivor. I know what grooming is on a personal level. I know that what happened to me has changed my life and my personality forever despite my best efforts to deal with the trauma. I am not the person I would have been if it had never happened to me. Maybe I'm a more empathetic person but to be honest I'd give that back not to have had it happen. So with all that out in the open I want to say that if it goes to trial Morgan deserves (and unlike many minorities will receive) the whole "Innocent until proven guilty" right. However I do believe in France it is different and he would have to prove he is innocent. So I guess, for him, it is lucky he did not do this in France.

 

[CherylDee]

My favourite American history professor was an expat civil rights advocate (white but very vocal in his views on Jim Crowe laws and other aspects of racism in American History). He actually loved to play historical songs in class and played us "Strange Fruit" and half of us were crying so the thought of someone using it for skating was astonishing to me. And not in a good way.

Emmett Till's case was a tragedy. What has continued to happen to African American's in the USA (and Canada) is criminal. However he was targeted not because he was male but because he was male and AA. Morgan is a privileged white man. He will not be denied justice. In fact public opinion and the court system will bend over backward to make sure he is not held responsible. If this was a male P.O.C. skater (Like Elladj Balde) I would be totally willing to believe that he might not receive his fair shake in the justice system. However Morgan will be able to afford a good lawyer and the courts will be easier on him than on any minority. Look at the case of Brock Turner. Does anyone believe that if Brock Turner had been hispanic or AA he would have gotten 6 months?

As far as the legal system goes Morgan will receive all the benefits. I have little doubt he will not be held fully accountable legally. Just like with other athletes with uncomfortable pasts it will soon be forgotten and people will go back to liking him. What is the fate of one little girl against a famous man?

I have immense problems defending Morgan for sending this photo. It is personally extremely problematic for me. I am survivor. I know what grooming is on a personal level. I know that what happened to me has changed my life and my personality forever despite my best efforts to deal with the trauma. I am not the person I would have been if it had never happened to me. Maybe I'm a more empathetic person but to be honest I'd give that back not to have had it happen. So with all that out in the open I want to say that if it goes to trial Morgan deserves (and unlike many minorities will receive) the whole "Innocent until proven guilty" right. However I do believe in France it is different and he would have to prove he is innocent. So I guess, for him, it is lucky he did not do this in France.

AP I appreciate your sentiments, but please don't make this about race or color. The point I am making and I will continue to make is to withhold judgments until all the facts are in, and doom a person's career because of your personal experiences and the like. THIS IS NOT A RACIAL ISSUE, SO PLEASE DON'T MAKE IT ONE!

This is a human race issue, and that is please stop the mob mentality and act accordingly to the sophistication that is expected of the FS community. You simply do not have all the facts, and NO ONE, not no one is in a position here to pass judgment on 1 sensationalized report. It's not fair to the skaters, and we've already had one suicide following these accusations! This needs to stop until the facts are in, period. But I understand the sentiments from personal experiences, but this is not your case and you are not the victim here.

 

[macy]

i think it's time to close the thread until we have further information.