Three-time Olympic gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin is out of the 2024 Paris Games just days before the opening event after a video surfaced of the equestrian allegedly whipping one of her horses.
On Tuesday, July 23, the 39-year-old, who would have been representing Team Great Britain this year, apologized for her actions, claiming the incident was “four years ago.”
Charlotte Dujardin/Instagram
“A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session,” Dujardin wrote in a statement shared on Instagram.
According to The Guardian, a now 19-year-old former student saw the alleged animal abuse and filed a complaint against Dujardin.
The unidentified teen accused the equestrian of “beating the horse more than 24 times in one minute. It was like an elephant in the circus.”
In her statement, Dujardin called the incident “completely out of character,” claiming it “does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils.”
“However there is no excuse,” she continued. “I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”
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“I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors,” Dujardin wrote, adding that she would “cooperate fully” with the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage as the investigation continues.
Stephan Wensing, the Dutch lawyer representing the teen who filed the complaint, explained in a statement why they did not come forward sooner.
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“At that time, my client was thinking this must be normal,” said Wensing, per The Guardian. “She is an Olympic winner. Who am I to doubt? My client asked around and was warned against speaking out in the UK. But last year my client saw others suspended in the UK and elsewhere,” Wensing said.
“And this weekend, she eventually made a decision to let me admit the complaint to the FEI and that happened yesterday. The FEI took this immediately very seriously,” he added.
The FEI also released a statement, saying it received the footage on Monday, July 22, of “Ms. Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare.”
“This video was submitted to the FEI by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant,” the organization said.
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The FEI added that Dujardin’s suspension renders her ineligible to participate in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games or any other events under its jurisdiction.
“We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
“Charlotte has expressed genuine remorse for her actions, and we recognise and appreciate her willingness to take responsibility. Despite the unfortunate timing, we believe this action reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to welfare as the guardians of our equine partners and the integrity of our sport.”
Dujardin previously competed and placed in the 2012 Olympics in London, the 2016 Games in Rio and Tokyo in 2021.
The 2024 Summer Olympics begin in Paris on Friday, July 26.
