NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – A Country Club alleged rape victim says she’s been re-victimized.
Fliers bearing her photo question her claim of being assaulted.
It all comes after the club announced scrapping its “clothing optional” policy.
WGNO News Reporter Darian Trotter has details and reaction from customers.
“I honestly, I don’t care either way if you can be naked. That’s good, and it’s also good to not be naked,” Hayley Sampson said.
But many long-time customers are deeply disappointed by the Country Club’s recent policy change.
“People are very disappointed,” Nick Rocuant said.
Earlier this fall the New Orleans Alcoholic Beverage Control Board filed a petition to revoke or suspend the club’s liquor license.
It was a move that could have shuttered its doors after 37-years.
Instead the management team agreed to comply with mandated changes, and toss its “clothing optional” policy in and around the pool area.
“I have friends who have told me about that. They said it was really nice to be able to just go around, be who you are, be free, do your thing without anyone saying there’s something wrong with it,” Rocuant said.
It’s believed sexual assault allegations led to the policy change.
Over the weekend someone anonymously posted fliers in the Bywater Neighborhood blaming a woman who most recently says she was assaulted at the club.
We’re concealing her identity. The fliers show the alleged victim’s picture and the capture “no evidence of rape.”
Hayley Sampson says that’s unacceptable.
“I think that’s kind of victim blaming. I don’t know very much about the situation but it seems like there’s a more mature way to deal with that.”
“I think that’s really taking it too far, to go around and to just put somebody’s, having their picture. Everyone’s going to know who this person is they can’t even walk around town without being like oh that’s that lady,” Rocuant said.
The alleged victim posted a photo of the flier on Facebook saying it makes her feel re-victimized.
The Country Club has publicly opposed the fliers too.
“It’s a very professional place you know, and it doesn’t surprise me that they took the higher road,” Sampson said.
The policy change is being heavily discussed on social media.
Some long-time customers say, it could be the end of the club; while others say it may draw new customers who’ll feel more comfortable in the pool area.