Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Defamation Allegations Continue Against Current, Former Penn State Fencing Coaches

A new affidavit filed this month alleges Penn State fencing coach Wes Glon and former team assistant George Abashidze are continually defaming a North Carolina-based fencing club owner.

Jennifer Oldham, who filed the affidavit on June 15 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, claims Glon and Abashidze conspired to defame her after she made allegations of sexual misconduct toward Abashidze. He was placed on administrative leave from Penn State in 2018 and later let go by the team following unrelated allegations of sexual abuse.

The court documents also accuse Penn State of attempting to cover up Abashidze’s alleged misconduct.

In her affidavit, Oldham says she sat next to Abashidze on a flight in 2017, during which he, while allegedly intoxicated, “persisted with sexual overtures” for hours, escalating in physical assault. She claims his comments included sexual and inappropriate remarks about former students and his wife.

Oldham also said Abashidze asked to have sex with her. When she declined, he allegedly assaulted her.

Although the alleged abuse was witnessed by a fencing equipment vendor seated near Oldham on the flight, she wrote she was unsure how to proceed due to Abashidze’s “prominence” within the sport. She sought advice from her fencing mentor, Ed Korfanty, who passed Oldham’s allegations on to Glon.

Glon and Abashidze later met with Oldham in January 2018 to discuss the alleged misconduct. She said they attempted to intimidate and silence her, implying others wouldn’t believe her claims.

In the affidavit, Oldham also wrote that Glon didn’t intend on reporting the alleged misconduct. She said Glon urged Abashidze to apologize and said an apology would be enough to “drop the matter” entirely.

Oldham now claims the two coaches launched a “defamation campaign” against her that persists today. She said she’s experienced harassment both in person and online from colleagues in the fencing community.

Oldham also alleges she’s felt “unwelcome” at social gatherings and competitive events. She wrote that the social pressure can prevent those in the fencing community from attending events that help forge bonds and relationships.

Oldham also wrote that her fencing club in North Carolina has lost students due to defamation against her. She said she’s currently working with a lawyer to continue protecting herself from alleged defamation.

Penn State does not offer comments on pending litigations.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Matt DiSanto

Matt proudly served as Onward State’s managing editor for two years until graduating from Penn State in May 2022. Now, he’s off in the real world doing real things. Send him an email ([email protected]) or follow him on Twitter (@mattdisanto_) to stay in touch.

[Photo Story] Elevated Views From Happy Valley

Our photographers looked down and saw the world below from a handful of elevated vantage points.

Penn State’s Restorative Justice Initiative Offering Bachelor’s Degrees To Incarcerated Individuals

The program will allow incarcerated persons to work toward a degree while in prison.

WBIT Creating Newfound Attention For Women’s College Basketball

The Lady Lions are headed to the semifinals after an energetic win in the last home game of the season.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.4kFollowers
4,570Subscribers