Andre Galvao announces return to full-time teaching at Atos HQ
Andre Galvao has returned to teaching at Atos HQ after a brief hiatus due to sexual misconduct allegations.
Earlier this year, allegations of sexual misconduct against Atos head coach Andre Galvao surfaced, leading to a mass exodus of the team’s numerous elite competitors. According to rising purple belt talent Alexa Herse, Galvao had made inappropriate comments and touched her in a sexual manner during training sessions. Herse claims that she attempted to raise concerns with Galvao’s wife and Atos co-owner, Angelica Galvao, but was met with resistance and efforts to silence her.
Shortly after those allegations were made public, Galvao stopped teaching at Atos HQ and separated himself from the gym.
On Wednesday, Galvao released a statement on social media in which he explained that he is cooperating with local law enforcement and that he has now returned to full-time teaching at Atos HQ. While he failed to explicitly claim his innocence, Galvao insinuated that the allegations of sexual misconduct – made by a young purple belt competitor – were somehow related to controversial business decisions.
Watch the full statement below.
Prior to making the above statement, Galvao had denied what he called “false rumors” and that the allegations were made by individuals with a “personal vendetta,” but he has yet to describe in any detail what business decisions led to these allegations.
Herse’s allegations against Galvao – one of the most influential figures in the sport of jiu-jitsu – have brought about major discussions of sexual misconduct and abuses of power in BJJ. ADCC champion and former Atos competitor Adele Fornarino has been one of the most prominent and vocal athletes to explicitly condemn Galvao’s behavior and the gym’s handling of the situation.
Although the vast majority of Atos’ top athletes left the gym in recent months, the team has continued to run classes and field competitors. Most notably, Galvao’s daughter, top-ranked black belt Sarah Galvao, has remained active on the competition scene and still represents Atos.
