Police in Tahiti are investigating accusations stemming from a private gathering after the Tahiti Pro in August that led to the suspension of an unnamed surfer, reportedly identified as Alan Cleland Jr.
According to an article published yesterday in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, “police in French Polynesia are gathering evidence.” It’s the first report confirming an investigation after the local prosecutor’s office claimed no such investigation had been opened as of October 12. ABC did not say how they obtained this information.
After the WSL announced the suspension, Surfing World’s Nick Carroll reported that the surfer in question is Cleland, and the alleged incident involved a teenage Australian female surfer and at least three men. Carroll said New South Wales, Australia police are aware of the incident, but in correspondence with The Inertia, the department said “the matter is being managed by the French Polynesian police” and refused to provide further comment.
No charges have been filed against Cleland or other suspects. Cleland did not respond to requests for comment, and the WSL refused to answer questions.
The ABC report highlights what appears to be an impasse between Australian and French Polynesian authorities. The report says police in French Polynesia believe it’s not in its jurisdiction because the alleged victim reported complaints in Australia. Police authorities in Tahiti have not responded to our requests for comment.
After the WSL’s initial statement, the International Surfing Association (ISA) also announced it had suspended an unnamed surfer for violation of its code of conduct — apparently Cleland. Cleland qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games.
Cleland’s ex-girlfriend Noah Klapp, an ISA junior champion who competed for Germany, levied additional accusations against Cleland of physical and sexual abuse. Klapp called out surfing culture that allows such behavior.
The Mexican Surfing Federation, the ISA-recognized body responsible for surfing in Mexico, also released a statement condemning abuse in surfing. The statement did not name the surfer.
Since the allegations emerged, Cleland’s sponsors, Quiksilver and Monster, have removed him from the team pages, and the WSL no longer sells his #83 jersey in its online store.
Cleland is 24 years old and grew up at the famous surf spot of Pascuales in Colima, Mexico. He began representing Mexico in junior competitions in 2014 and became the first Mexican to compete on the WSL Championship Tour in 2024. He placed ninth at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
