02-08-2025
Roland Schoeman threatens to sue troll over 'rapist' claims
Former Olympic swimmer Roland Schoeman has threatened to sue an X user who accused him of being a 'rapist' and 'paedophile'.
The South African gold medallist now lives in the US and works as a qualified real estate agent.
In 2022, he became a naturalised US citizen.
On his X account, Roland Schoeman threatened legal action against an X user who called him a 'rapist', 'racist' and 'paedophile'.
The former Olympic swimmer posted a screenshot of the defamatory post, tagging Barry Bateman, who is part of AfriForum's private prosecution department.
'I have a case I'd like to run by you, please', he posted.
Schoeman also tagged the SAPS, the South African Human Rights Commission, and the Boston police in the US.
In another post, Roland Schoeman responded directly to the anonymous social media user, sharing: 'You called me a racist and a rapist with zero proof. Big talk from a faceless coward hiding behind a screen.
'You want a face-to-face? Cool. Drop your name and info. Let the world see who's running their mouth. Until then, sit down. You're just another spineless troll trying to bait outrage because your life's irrelevant.'
In South Africa, defamation – where a false statement is made about an individual, whether written or spoken – is a civil offence, and not a criminal one.
Damages can be awarded to the complainant if the following has occurred: Reputational harm
Financial loss
Emotional distress Roland Schoeman has threatened legal action against a via X:
@ronaldschoeman
Complainants can also demand a public apology or retraction and be awarded their legal costs.
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