Ilima-Lei MacFarlane files sexual misconduct lawsuit
Bellator Flyweight world champion Ilima-Lei MacFarlane has joined two others in a lawsuit filed against her high school, Punahou school, on Wednesday. The misconduct lawsuit, first reported by ABC affiliate KITV4 News claims incidents ocurred between 2003-2006, when Macfarlane was a student. Macfarlane joins, older sister, Mahina and a third unidentified female in the lawsuit.
Court documents obtained by KITV cite, specifically, assistant basketball coach, Dwayne Yuen as the defendant. In fact, accusations date back to when Macfarlane was 12 years old. The report claims several accounts of abuse, sexual harassment, etc. Specifically noted in the documents cite unwanted sexual advances as well as explicit photos. Punahou, a prestigious private school, is being accused of “gross negligence” after initial reports were considered “retaliation” by the school.
In a mission statement from the school’s website regarding student safety it states, “If you or a student you know is in an unsafe or challenging situation; experiencing or witnessing drug or alcohol use or addiction; harassment, intimidation or bullying; sexual abuse or harassment; suicidal thoughts, inclinations or actions; or violence or threats of violence, we urge you to notify the School or submit an anonymous report through the Punahou Community Hotline.”
The suit intends to seek punitive damages but no specific amount, currently. Since KITV4 obtained court documents no school officials have been available for comment.
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane is undefeated in Bellator and current flyweight champion. More on this story as it develops throughout the day.
