Alleged sexual advance: The athlete refuses and files a complaint, but he is already abroad
A young French athlete reported that she had been subjected to an alleged sexual advance aboard the cruise ship hosting the delegations participating in the Mediterranean Games in Taranto. During her interview with investigators, the young woman said she had rejected the advance, which was allegedly repeated and took place near the pool.
The incident took place during the 20th edition of the Mediterranean Games, which are being held in Taranto—chosen as the main venue—with the participation of other towns in the province and surrounding areas, including towns in the Brindisi and Murgia Barese regions. Twenty-six countries participated in the event, all members of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG): in addition to Italy, the host nation, delegations are present from Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Croatia, Egypt, France, Greece, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, North Macedonia, Malta, Morocco, the Principality of Monaco, Montenegro, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Syria, Slovenia, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey.
To reconstruct what happened, investigators are analyzing footage from surveillance cameras in the area. The State Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office are conducting an investigation into the case, which is being treated as an attempted sexual assault.
The alleged perpetrator, an athlete from another team, has also been questioned. The man, meanwhile, is reported to have already left Italy to return to his home country. The investigation is continuing to clarify the circumstances of the incident and verify the young athlete’s allegations.
The incident casts a shadow over the conclusion of an event that saw the participation of athletes competing in thirty-two sports, ranging from track and field to sailing, including swimming, judo, cycling, and many others. The 2026 Taranto Mediterranean Games concluded on September 3: an event that involved the entire Apulia region.
