In news that sent shockwaves through the Israeli sports world on Sunday, former national team and Chelsea soccer coach Avram Grant was accused in a Channel 12 report of sexually harassing numerous women.
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In Channel 12's investigative show "Exposure," journalist Haim Etgar presented almost an hour of testimonies from several women who accused the former coach of exploiting his position of power to try and coerce them into sexual relations.
Many of those testifying against Grant were well-known journalists, Etgar said, noting the reason for disguising their identities. The women said they were afraid of the consequences for their careers if they came forward. Several said they were denied access to Grant on a professional level after rebuffing his advances. They also said his behavior was an open secret in the industry.
In response, Grant did not deny the accusations, saying that any harm he had caused was unintentional: "I am a people person, a man of friendships. And over the years I have maintained relationships with women. In all these relationships I have tried very hard to treat them with respect and friendship and I never intended to behave unfairly or in any way harm any woman. Anyone who has felt uncomfortable or hurt by me, I regret it and apologize from the bottom of my heart."
