Renowned Violin Maestro Faces Allegations of Groping Teenage Student
In a shocking turn of events, a widely respected violin professor, Jan Repko, stands accused of assaulting an 18-year-old student during a music lesson at the prestigious Royal College of Music in Kensington. The young musician found herself in a distressing situation when Repko allegedly groped her while she played her violin, leaving her feeling frozen and violated.
The teenage student, whose identity remains protected, recounted the traumatic experience in court, revealing that Repko had approached her from behind as she performed. The seasoned professor reportedly made lewd advances, including undoing her trousers and inappropriately touching her, before callously inquiring about her feelings regarding the encounter.
During the trial at Southwark Crown Court, the prosecution led by Nneka Akudolu, KC, shed light on the harrowing incident that took place on July 1, 2022. The victim shared that Repko had sought permission with a simple ‘May I?’ before proceeding with his unwanted advances. However, she mistakenly believed he was referring to touching her hand, not realizing the true nature of his intentions.
As the young musician struggled to comprehend the violation she was experiencing, Repko’s actions escalated, with him placing his hand inappropriately on her waist and bottom. The situation took a darker turn as he proceeded to invade her personal space further by inserting his finger into her vagina, leaving her in a state of shock and disbelief. Despite her distress, she continued playing, only to falter when the gravity of the assault fully registered.
The victim later shared with authorities that Repko had misled her by promising that the Royal College of Music was the ideal place for her to hone her musical talents. Her initial reluctance to disclose the full extent of the assault was fueled by feelings of embarrassment and shame, a sentiment that resonates with many survivors of such traumatic experiences.
The prosecution highlighted the victim’s internal struggle, recounting her feelings of discomfort and helplessness in the face of Repko’s predatory behavior. As details of the assault emerged, it became evident that the victim had confided in a friend about the incident, prompting her to seek justice by contacting the police. The fear of repercussions due to Repko’s influential position loomed large, underscoring the power dynamics at play.
Throughout the proceedings, Repko vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as absurd and baseless. He attempted to downplay the seriousness of the situation by insinuating that the victim had appeared content and unbothered when they parted ways after the lesson. However, the prosecution painted a starkly different picture, emphasizing the lasting impact of the assault on the young musician’s mental and emotional well-being.
As the trial unfolds, the allegations against Repko have sent shockwaves through the music community, tarnishing the reputation of a celebrated maestro. The Royal College of Music, known for its illustrious history and esteemed alumni, now finds itself embroiled in a scandal that threatens to cast a shadow over its legacy.
With testimonies and evidence continuing to unfold, the trial serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of sexual misconduct and abuse, even within the hallowed halls of institutions dedicated to the arts. As the legal proceedings progress, the outcome remains uncertain, leaving both the victim and the accused in a state of limbo, awaiting justice and closure.
The trial continues, shedding light on the complexities and challenges of seeking accountability in cases of sexual assault and abuse. The implications of this case extend far beyond the courtroom, sparking conversations about power dynamics, consent, and the need for greater protection of vulnerable individuals in academic and artistic settings.
