Kümpel, a reporter from Monumental radio, has lodged a police complaint 

Location: Brazil, Porto Alegre

Date: February 25, 2024

Women Press Freedom stands in full solidarity with Gisele Kümpel, a sports journalist, who experienced sexual harassment involving the mascot of Internacional de Porto Alegre — a prominent football club — during a match against Gremio. Kümpel, a reporter at Monumental radio, has filed a police complaint against the man portraying the club mascot. She is seeking a protective order for future games. We strongly denounce this unacceptable behavior towards Kümpel, who was simply carrying out her professional duties and should never face unwarranted sexual harassment. We demand a thorough investigation into the matter and accountability for the perpetrator.

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“Instead of celebrating with his fans, he decided to hug me and give me a kiss, as if my body was there for him, as if he could do that without my permission," says Gisele Kümpel, a reporter from Monumental radio, who filed a police complaint against the man who serves as the Internacional de Porto Alegre mascot, detailing a sexual harassment incident that occurred during a match against Gremio football club on February 25.

The sports journalist revealed in an interview with GloboEsporte portal that she noticed unusual behavior from the mascot during the game. According to the journalist, following the decisive goal scored by Alan Patrick in the second half of the match, the mascot hugged her and forcefully attempted to kiss her. 

Following the incident, Kümpel took to social media to condemn the actions of the mascot and express her commitment to ensuring that such incidents do not happen again. She stated that she experienced feelings of "dread" and "disbelief" in the aftermath of the incident.

Kümpel's experience is unfortunately one that resonates with many women journalists working in covering sports.

Reacting to the incident, Internacional de Porto Alegre has pledged to cooperate with the police investigation and provide any necessary evidence, including stadium camera footage and information about the individual who serves as the team's mascot. 

Kümpel is requesting a protective order for upcoming matches at the club's stadium, emphasizing the intrusive nature of the incident.

This incident comes ahead of a trial set for July 11 in Barcelona regarding similar allegations of sexual abuse involving Spanish footballer Hugo Mallo. The player, now with Internacional de Porto Alegre, is accused of sexually abusing a woman during a match in April 2019. 

Women Press Freedom unequivocally stands in solidarity with Gisele Kümpel. The reprehensible sexual harassment, executed while she was fulfilling her professional obligations, underscores a blatant disregard for her autonomy and safety. Such behavior is utterly indefensible. Sadly, Kümpel's ordeal mirrors the experiences of numerous women journalists in the sports reporting realm, illuminating the pervasive challenges they face. Sports clubs must promptly put protective measures in place to safeguard the well-being of women journalists covering sporting events. We fully back Gisele Kümpel's choice to report the man who sexually harassed her to the police and call for a comprehensive investigation into the matter so that justice can be served.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.