Ivan Lee, a former U.S. Olympian and once-celebrated figure in the world of fencing, has faced severe repercussions following his guilty pleas to multiple sex offenses involving a female fencer he previously coached at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. The legal proceedings have concluded with sentencing and protective orders, effectively dismantling his career and tarnishing his legacy.
The initial case, adjudicated in Kings County Criminal Court, involved a conditional plea to forcible touching. However, this charge was ultimately vacated after Lee, 44, successfully completed a court-ordered treatment program, according to information provided by the Clerk of Court’s office. Despite this vacating of the forcible touching charge, Lee’s guilty plea to harassment in the second degree (physical contact) remains in effect. This harassment charge, classified as a non-criminal violation under New York law, represents a formal acknowledgment of inappropriate physical contact.
A separate and more serious case unfolded in Nassau District Court, culminating in a six-year probation sentence for Lee. In this case, he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse in the third degree and one count of forcible touching, as confirmed by the Clerk of Court’s office. The severity of these charges reflects a more substantial level of misconduct and a significant breach of trust between coach and athlete.
In both legal proceedings, the victim was granted protective orders designed to ensure her safety and well-being. The protective order issued in the Kings County case prohibits Lee from contacting her for a period of two years. The Nassau County protective order, reflecting the gravity of the offenses committed there, extends this prohibition to six years. These orders serve as a legal safeguard, preventing Lee from directly or indirectly contacting or approaching the victim.
The offenses committed by Lee took place in 2023, forever altering the victim’s life and her relationship with the sport of fencing. In a poignant statement read during a Feb. 19 sentencing hearing at the Nassau County District Court, the woman described the profound impact of Lee’s actions on her emotional and psychological state.
"Before this happened, fencing was my passion,’’ the woman said. “It was more than just a sport to me; it was where I felt strong, disciplined, and in control.“But after what he did, it became a place of fear and pain. …The mental and emotional toll has been unbearable.” Her words paint a vivid picture of a dream shattered, a passion extinguished, and a sense of safety and control irrevocably lost. The statement highlights the lasting trauma inflicted upon the victim and the devastating consequences of Lee’s abuse of power.
Neither Lee nor his attorney, Craig Hayes, have offered public comment on the cases, despite requests from USA TODAY Sports for their perspective. This silence speaks volumes, offering no explanation or acknowledgement of the harm caused.
Beyond the legal ramifications, Lee’s actions have led to the swift and decisive dismantling of his reputation and professional standing within the fencing community. He resigned as Board Chair of USA Fencing in December 2023, shortly after the organization suspended him in response to the allegations.
Further underscoring the gravity of his offenses, Lee has been stripped of his membership to the USA Fencing Hall of Fame, an honor he received in 2014. This revocation signifies the complete disavowal of his achievements and contributions to the sport, effectively erasing his name from the annals of fencing history.
Perhaps the most significant and far-reaching consequence of Lee’s actions is the lifetime ban he has received from the U.S. Center for SafeSport. This organization, created by Congress to specifically address the issue of sexual abuse of athletes in Olympic sports, has determined that Lee poses a risk to athletes and is unfit to participate in any capacity within the Olympic movement.
The lifetime ban will severely restrict his ability to coach, mentor, or otherwise interact with young athletes in the sport of fencing. This measure is designed to protect future generations of fencers from potential harm and to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Jack Wiener, an attorney who represented the victim pro bono, emphasized the significance of this case as a deterrent to potential abusers within the fencing community. He told USA TODAY Sports that the outcome can “serve as a stark warning to those who would engage in sexual abuse in fencing – no matter who you are, there will be consequences.’’
Wiener’s statement underscores the importance of accountability and the need for vigilance in protecting athletes from abuse. The Ivan Lee case serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating the devastating impact of sexual misconduct on victims and the severe consequences that perpetrators will face. It is a reminder that power dynamics within sports must be carefully monitored and that those in positions of authority must be held to the highest standards of ethical conduct. The case also highlights the crucial role of legal representation and victim advocacy in ensuring that survivors of abuse have a voice and access to justice. The fencing community, and the broader world of sports, must learn from this tragic episode and continue to work towards creating a safe and supportive environment for all athletes.
