Mexico’s surfing governing body made its first public statement about the allegations against Cleland. Photo: Aaron Hughes//WSL
The Mexican Surfing Federation posted a statement in response to sexual assault allegations against Mexican Championship Tour surfer and Olympian Alan Cleland Jr. The federation did not name Cleland, but noted it is aware of the reports circulating in media outlets.
“Our position is clear: violence and any form of abuse have no justification and no place in surfing or in any other sphere of life,” the statement reads in Spanish. “We do not downplay these events, we do not minimize them, and we do not accept that they be treated as a private matter.”
“Our first thoughts are with the people who came forward,” the statement continues. “We express to them our absolute respect and solidarity. We state our confidence that the competent institutions will address and resolve this delicate matter with a sense of justice for all parties.”
The allegations reputedly stem from an incident that occurred at a private gathering in Tahiti after the Tahiti Pro in August. As Surfing World’s Nick Carroll reported, the incident involved a teenage Australian female and at least three men.
In response, the WSL issued a statement announcing the indefinite suspension of one of its Championship Tour surfers, but did not name Cleland or provide further details on the length of the suspension or specific protocol that had been breached. The league refused to answer questions or confirm Cleland as the suspended athlete.
The Mexican Surfing Federation’s statement says reports have indicated that the situation is under investigation. However, New South Wales police in Australia told The Inertia in an email that the “matter is being managed by the French Polynesian Police.” Reports out of Tahiti indicated that no investigation has been formally confirmed.
“It is up to the legal bodies to determine responsibilities,” the Mexican Surfing Federation said. “However, this does not mean neutrality in the face of the seriousness of what has been reported: the presumption of innocence is a procedural right, not a reason to remain silent or to downplay the allegations.”
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After the allegations surfaced, Cleland’s ex-girlfriend, pro surfer Noah Klapp, levied separate allegations of sexual abuse and assault against him. Many prominent CT surfers provided support in the comment section, including Kelly Slater, Jordy Smith, Yago Dora, Filipe Toledo, Gabriela Medina, and Tyler Wright.
“Regardless of these current allegations, your own story would be too much,” Slater wrote. “So sorry to hear this. This is a huge issue. I’m disgusted to hear all this. Good on you for having the strength to speak out and let it be known.”
Neither Cleland nor Klapp have responded to our inquiries for comments.
Cleland’s sponsors, Quiksilver and Monster, have removed him from their websites, and the WSL has removed Cleland’s jersey from its online store.
