Mike Pilavachi & Soul Survivor Experience

Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor experience.
We're making a documentary - please get in touch if you've been personally affected by Pilavachi.
mascotfilms.com

[@MissJoNaomi]

From memory I don't think I've met this person in question personally, maybe in a group setting. But I was heavily involved in the CofE for the first 26 years of my life, then finally leaving the church (and faith) 3 years ago after speaking out about my vicar at the time and getting nowhere. I'm 29 now and very happy to talk about how great life is on the other side of church/religious culture!! I imagine this is going to bring to light a lot of stories, and hopefully healing for people.

[@SamHowson]

Hey Jo, good to hear from you. This certainly is a growing story.

[@MissJoNaomi]

@@SamHowson Church culture is an interesting one. I’ll be keeping up with your story for sure. Take care of yourself 🙂

[@englephat]

May I ask @missJoNaomi was it also issues of misuse of power and inappropriate sexual behaviour?

[@paramedicchrisbookseries]

I was forced to resign as a student Baptist minister following my Dad's death. I even received a physical assault and told to pull myself together. We lost thousands as a family. Fortunately re building my life now and concentrating on my books. We've joined an Anglican church , Fortunately they've been loving to us as a church.

[@angusmacbUTube]

Thanks for posting Sam. Spiritual coercion and abuse is very prevelent where I am.

[@SamHowson]

Sorry to hear that Angus, and thanks for the support

[@ricdavid7476]

2.5 billion people are coerced

[@roopaalmeida7958]

What the hell are you trying to say? I don't get one word of what your saying

[@SamHowson]

thanks for your comment - great for the algorithm

[@hannah_marie97]

Rather than getting defensive, why dont you actually clarify, because it seems that the comments are in agreement that they're not sure what this video is for ​@@SamHowson

[@rhodiusscrolls3080]

Ahm.. kummin bakk too.thuh hard on wurrshipp.Ann itz awl.aboyt yoo Cakey.

[@AndyReadGuitar]

good for you, go for it - 'promises' ah yes I've had a few of those!

[@englephat]

Thanks for the video Sam. I still havent quite worked out, was the wrestling done one on one, or in front of a group?

[@SamHowson]

Both

[@TheGagamonster21]

Have you spoken to police about it. You do know this is sexual assualt if coerced into it?

[@progressivebusiness4537]

In hindsight, with what we know now, this video makes a lot of sense. For me, this explains perfectly why Christianity as a faith is not spreading. There is so much power in Jesus, but churches are move interested in cultivating their own upper middle class lifestyle with cult leaders as guest stars.

[@lizzyumoh]

The fact that when I attended SS festivals in the 90s as a 15 year old there was a significant minority of my peer group smoking drugs and getting together with boyfriends and girlfriends in their tents reflects badly on the leadership of the event. As an adult and parent now, I know that what happens on the ground in any organisation is a direct reflection of the leadership and their integrity and boundaries. The culture of "cool" was what dominated SS festivals back then. Mixing a music festival with Christianity just isn't appropriate. Music festivals are for the flesh, about emotionally charged music and hedonism. These things are at odds with the call to repentance of the gospel and the fruits of the Holy Spirit. I loved it at the time, but I didn't know any better.

[@nicholashillofficial]

Well said. I was there too in the 90s.

[@c0lumbo]

What you're describing sounds more like the ideals of the Taliban than of Christianity. Music is for everyone, and Christianity has a very long tradition of embracing music for the purpose of celebration.

[@lizzyumoh]

@@c0lumbo Music festivals as we know them came about with the hippy revolution of the 60s. They were scandalous to the majority of people at the time and indicative of the moral decline the west was going through. My point is modelling a Christian ministry on that type of festival isn't really suitable. I don't think the early church used instrumental music at all partly because they were so poor and persecuted. Then when instrumental music did come into use in the church it was conservative in nature. Not music designed to appeal to the flesh, with syncopation and strong rhythms, but music designed to help people focus on God.

[@c0lumbo]

@lizzyumoh Another thing that came about with the hippy revolution was the Jesus movement, and a lot of very good things came out of that. Not every cultural development has to be seen as absolutely good or absolutely bad. Black and white thinking is neither healthy nor Biblical. Conservatism is not the purpose of Christianity. Stop acting like it is. We are supposed to look forward, not backwards. Traditionalism is the folly of dead religion. Jesus came that we would be set free to live by the Spirit, not to live as joyless puritans, thank you very much.

[@c0lumbo]

@lizzyumoh And another thing, your view of history is poorly informed. The Church has always been at the forefront of musical trends. The idea that rhythmic music is somehow at odds with Christian music is an idea that has close links to white supremacist ideology. It was, in fact, Christians who brought us modern rythmic music. The pioneers of rock and roll, like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley, took their inspiration from black gospel singers like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who helped to introduce the lively praise of the black churches to the world stage. The narrative that rhythmic music was intended to appeal to the flesh was put about by racists who believed black people were ordained by God to be in chains, working the plantations and making the white man rich. It is extremely sad to see this kind of depraved worldview still influencing people who believe themselves to be honouring Jesus. I would expect to hear such views in Afghanistan, or in a JW sect. Such depraved superstitious nonsense has no place in the Church today. It makes an idol out of an imagined past that, in reality, was a lot less 'conservative' than you think it was. Try looking at history through a different lens, not just a white middle-class conservative one. It would surprise you.

[@PaulEddy-ui8ql]

Happy to help in any way google me to see how I help churches with media and PR. The way all the Ev elite has gone quiet as they don’t want to be tarnished with this is why it all happens. There needs to be a serious gathering of senior leaders to identify the issues and develop a code of practice and accountability for ministry the way we have them for finance

[@lizzyumoh]

Yes!

[@MarthaEllen88]

Thank you for speaking out. It is no less 'wrong' when others say the young men and yourself were over 18 and 'consenting'. These young men were, whether they felt it at the time or no, vulnerable young people in a hothouse intense cult like environment. There was a big power imbalance between Mike and the young person. Mike abused this power and his trust position. Not to mention the 'promises' and love bombing type tactics. Like many abusers, he groomed his victims and likely ensured they were over 18. This was co-ercive control and abuse of power. It was abuse. I'm not sure though this was spiritual abuse? Eg... censoring them because they 'hadn't heard the Lord correctly' or 'werent submitted to God and the Leadership properly' or accused them of 'struggling' with the Leadership when they should submit and not come with suggestions or criticisms because that is what the Bible teaches etc? Or accusing them of not repenting properly, or areas of their life not broken enough.. not obeying the leadership properly, or questioning things? Or any of a huge array of insidious spiritual abuse? A helpful book is 'the subtle power of spiritual abuse'. I admire what you are doing. A bright light is needed on the whole sub-culture.

[@MarthaEllen88]

Sorry, replying to myself! I can now see the spiritual side more .. Mike was the spiritual giant, hearing the holy spirit. How can youngsters question what he is doing. 'It must be alright, it's Mike'. But again, sadly a path so many paediphiles have tried before... whether they become scout leaders, athletic coaches or charismatic church leaders.

[@SamHowson]

Thanks Christine, this is certainly a very odd time... as it was then.

[@andrewhazelden4473]

Sam I don't really understand the wrestling thing can you explain! I did youth work for years and teens can be boisterous and jump on you etc and, 'wrestling' goes on, why has it become I big thing in this case and surely it's not an abusive act? Is it not part of bonding play fighting etc, or was what you experienced with Mike different than normal? I'm not doubting your story but need some explanation, I can see that massage is a different matter but was that as common as the wrestling? As I've only heard this mentioned once , also disappointment is part of life and although it's wrong of Leaders to give false hope we all have to realise that they are not always right about what they promise.

[@andrewhazelden4473]

​@@MarthaEllen88are you staying that Mike was/ is a paedo? There is no evidence of that is there? If you didn't know that describes someone who abuses children , or wants to, the police would soon be involved if that was, true! And they are not

[@lizzyumoh]

@@andrewhazelden4473 I would have thought it is inadvisable for anyone in youth work to "wrestle" with those in their care. That's the sort of thing that can lead to softening and breaking of interpersonal boundaries. How do you know how those you are in power over will interpret physical contact between you?

[@SimonBullArt]

I’m not sure what you are saying here exactly. Are you suffering from ptsd from non sexual wrestling or not ending up going to Australia to plant a church?

[@lizzyumoh]

I think he's casting light on a very important issue that is prevalent in the church today about gifted and charismatic people being but in positions of authority without appropriate support and/or character development to ensure those in their care are safe and not subject to abuse.

[@SimonBullArt]

My point being, that whilst I agree with you completely, there is a lot of smoke here and no fire that anyone is prepared to identify. If a leader has sinned then it needs to be addressed but if not then people need to examine their own hearts more thoroughly. Otherwise we are just wallowing in a culture of blame and passing the buck.

[@lizzyumoh]

@@SimonBullArt Well, you know the old saying...there's no smoke without fire. Hopefully the fire itself is just a small one, but the smoke that has been made public is, of itself, concerning enough to warrant public discussion. That smoke is abuse of church members by an influential leader who is very much in the public forum. And it is indicative of a widespread problem running throughout the C of E, and the wider church. The C of E seems particularly adept at fostering abusive leaders. And that unavoidably says something about those at the top of the C of E structure.

[@SamHowson]

i'm simply sharing my experience as many don't feel able to.

[@alastairmaclachlan835]

Short on detail.Long on bitterness

[@GambleWoof]

I really hope you do make a documentary about it. Im a former christian myself working on writing a book about religious abuse, coercive control and manipulation from experinces I had through church life. Although not directly affected by mike myself i did attend soul survivor as a young person and when this news broke it didn't suprise me, but frustrated me as these kinds of things are far more prevalent than any of us know...

[@malcolmfox4991]

I really understand what you are saying and good luck with the book.

[@Sprinter-qk8kr]

Did they make you except Jesus. Following God should be a personal choice. No one can do it for you. Sometimes Jesus is there with you and asks you to follow him, if you say no that’s ok, but if you follow Jesus it’s up to you and Him.

[@rhodiusscrolls3080]

​@@Sprinter-qk8kr Accept or except..there is a grave difference.

[@alastairmaclachlan835]

Short on detail.Long on bitterness.

[@alastairmaclachlan835]

There has been talk of Mike Pilavachi being "thrown under a bus".(I feel sorry for the bus and anyone in it)Seriously though, the most important thing is that Soul Survivor itself is not thrown under a bus, together with the opportunities it gives young people to know God through His son Jesus Christ.I await the brickbats.

[@alastairmaclachlan835]

There has been talk of Mike Pilavachi being "pushed under a bus"(I feel sorry for the bus and anyone in it).Seriously though, the most important thing is that Soul Survivor itself is not pushed under bus , together with the opportunities for young people to know God through His Son Jesus Christ.I await the brickbats.

[@lizzyumoh]

I sincerely hope that Soul Survivor will see the situation for what it is and disassociate themselves from the C of E completely, they could be independant, and develop some good accountability structures. Unless the true church (born again, saved believers) distance themselves from the leaven of compromise, the youth won't get the chance to have the proper gospel preached to them. I sincerely hope and pray that God will do a transformative work at Soul Survivor. There is nothing too difficult for Him. I will just add here that the fact that God does graciously work amongst genuine believers and ministries who are still under the C of E does not validate the institution itself and its evils.

[@RJSyeah]

If you do another video, tell the cameraman to stop breathing so heavily or are you boring him that much he's fallen asleep...?

[@daveflanagan4213]

It’s the pooch. He said that at the beginning. Guess Matt Redman and Tim 1:59 Hughes will have an opinion on this one then

[@RJSyeah]

@@daveflanagan4213 oh whoops my bad!!

[@JBLFC92]

Maybe one of these days someone will actually be able to tell us a genuine offence that occurred. Somehow the Telegraph have written a dozen articles about this, none of which have offered any further information. 100's of people experienced "abuse" but the only ones who've actually shown their faces have, at worst, said "he lied" and "he gaslighted". Hardly Ravi Zacharias-type stuff. This is getting REALLY boring now.

[@lizzyumoh]

He seems to have had poor interpersonal boundaries. He was in a position of power over those in his care. This is the recipe for all types of abuse. It really does matter, and he's lucky if he hasn't fallen into sexual sin as it's a slippery slope once an inappropriately close emotional bond has been formed. In the church there are so many men put into leadership who don't possess the biblical qualifications as mentioned in Timothy and Titus. In a nutshell, the biblical standard for an elder is that they should be able to manage themselves and their relationships well. That means having sound and appropriate interpersonal boundaries.

[@c0lumbo]

@@lizzyumoh Do you always manage your relationships as well as you would like to? I agree that there should be a high standard for leaders, but Pilivachi was doing something that most people suck at, which was leading a movement made up of literally thousands of people. It's only inevitable that some of those people are going to dislike what he does, and it's only inevitable that he will likely fall out with people from time to time. Who doesn't? You?

[@lizzyumoh]

@@c0lumboYes, I also have issues with relationships as we all do. But when I was working in a role in a position of power over vulnerable people and children I had tons of boundary training. I'm reflecting that any sort of boundary training and personal support around boundaries for people in leadership in the church seems to be lacking. Who were the people above Pilavachi who didn't deal with the issues properly and presumably didn't give him adequate support to ensure that he did maintain appropriate boundaries with the children in his care? This is more than just a case of "oh no one's perfect we all make mistakes". This is a situation where an institution either deliberately or through negligence fosters an environment where leaders do not maintain safe and appropriate boundaries with children and/or vulnerable adults.

[@TheGagamonster21]

do you often ask people to receive massages off you then?

[@JuliexSteadman]

..it is true that even now the investigation is over we dont actually know of actual things that happened. When the Telegraph reported 'masage', I assumed that was code for something else... but it seems not.... Anyway there is a report going to be done in March. As it is I dont want to put any more burden on Jonny Stevens who is now the main minister now that Mike and now Andy Croft although completely cleared feels that he shouldnt stay. Jonny Stevens has handled this really well in my opinion. He hasnt had a day off in 4 weeks.

[@chalicotheremapping8921]

There has been a shift, probably due to many no longer fearing God, there is more pride This includes Christian’s and atheists and all in between

[@Rain-uh4us]

saved or unsaved he should confess his crimes and accept the consequence that is his days in prison he was trusted with the youth. I myself am a born again Christian my story my life I have suffered at the hands of a Christian father there is so much to say I have chosen to forgive him. My heart is loving kind and genuinely want the best for him yes that is hard to understand but I do forgive him by the grace of god. None the less his crimes should mean prosecution his days in prison so many think well god forgives me yes he does but a true repentance would be admitting your disgusting crimes not trying to hide behind the name of Jesus no wonder God gets the blame when In reality it is man. If you or anyone would like to interview myself I would help in anyway I did see him preach once I felt to give my life story on abuse but felt inadequate never put off be bold enough to speak the truth in love God bless you

[@c0lumbo]

He hasn't actually been accused of anything illegal. The police confirmed this, and are monitoring the situation. It's easy to look at newspaper reports and jump to conclusions, but there are no actual allegations of any sexual abuse. Massages and wrestling aren't illegal, and the only way they would be sexual is if the motive was for sexual gratification. The police will have looked at the allegations and it is clear that they didn't find any evidence of sexual motivations in these instances. The other complaints of alleged abusive behaviour seem to be to do with perceived passive-aggressive mistreatment. If intended, that would have amounted to abuse, but it might not have been intentional. I know of many situations in which people have been hurt on gap years and training schemes through unmet expectations, but it can't always be said to have been anyone's fault. Life is like that sometimes. We try stuff, we make mistakes, things don't always work out. It's sad that there seems to have been so many people who felt let down. I hope the investigation gets to the bottom of it all, but I also hope that people take caution that there's a difference between being a challenging person to work with (I'm not saying this is okay) and being a sexual predator. Mike has already had to walk away from his job, and it might yet turn out that he was more misunderstood than he was a monster. Calling for him to be punished further when he isn't even alleged to have committed an offence is not in any way proportionate, in my opinion.

[@TheGagamonster21]

the point you are missing is if hes made people feel uncomfortable it amounts to sexual harrassment. Why is it because it is male on male it is nor deemed as sexual harrassment? Do you not think it is a little strange that a youth leader and vicar was asking young people to do this?

[@JuliexSteadman]

@@c0lumbo yes, even now I dont know what he has actually done, even though the report is concluded. In church we were referred to what the media said. but there is a report due out in March. But the current minister is under heck of a load of pressure and i think has handled things very well so dont want to burden him with questions. However you have people like Matt redman who said he was bullied back then and ignored when he brought it to attention. ...not sure if the response has been proportionate - because i dont actually know what went on...

[@c0lumbo]

@@TheGagamonster21 Sexual harassment is a criminal offence. The police have repeatedly looked into the situation, and have made several statements that confirm that Mike had not committed any criminal offence. You can disagree with their conclusions all you like, but you should take up your concerns with the police instead of inventing your own narrative to fill the gap in your knowledge of the facts of the matter, a nasty habit that far too many people are indulging in these days.

[@alastairmaclachlan835]

Mike is not a monster.If you really love Jesus, forgive him, for your own sake as much as anybody's.

[@JuliexSteadman]

..Im still trying to work out what I need to forgive him for. Hopefully it will become clearler once the report has been done... I have listened to the first two podcasts on Premier christian radio about it... they are probably waiting for the report before they do the final one...

[@234SuperSimi]

What the heck do wrestling matches and full body oil massages have to do with preaching the Good News? Why did he do such a thing?

[@RJSyeah]

If the wrestling was not of a sexual nature and in this short video you don't allude that it is, then is there wrong with this? Wrestling is a sport and can be a male bonding activity. That said, ok it is rather weird for a guy his age to be doing that with guys much younger than he is. But in and of itself...In any case only you, the other boys and MP know what went on and what the true intentions were. Clearly though what is disturbing is the near naked massages. That's what should be the issue. Spiritual abuse or gaslighting, well come on, many are guilty of that.

[@ricdavid7476]

Having some disgusting old sweaty overweight liar pressing his genitals against some teenager is not male bonding

[@elizabethsiemaszko653]

This is such a disturbing video … what exactly is the problem?

[@jordanhalkier81]

​@@elizabethsiemaszko653 You do realise that Wrestling can be a huge fetish for people, maybe Mike had a sick fetish for it but with young men. 🙄🤮

[@lindaflack8681]

Jumping on the bandwagon comes to mind.....

[@SamHowson]

'Many being guilty of it' - is the big issue. It has been normalised and in the context of church is something to really understand and learn from? Don't you think?

[@user-rs8nu5du1q]

you say you love jesus in what way do you love a 2 dimensional historical person? It is no different that loving any character in the bible or any book for that matter.

[@lizzyumoh]

Jesus is the only documented person of any book who died and then resurrected. His physical body is no longer on the earth in any tomb or grave, but is in heaven and has been made immortal. We believe in him because our consciences show us that we have sinned against a Holy God, and the Holy Spirit reveals to us that Jesus Christ died in our place on the cross to bear the punishment that our sins earned. He died and was buried and then was raised to life after 3 days defeating sin and death. The bible says he will return to judge the living and the dead, so we will all see Him then. Those of us who have put our trust in his work on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins will not be condemned, but those who don't believe will stand before Him already condemned and will suffer eternal punishment in hell. Unfortunately the natural human condition is very evil and we are unable to save ourselves. The only hope is the Savour, Jesus Christ and I would urge anyone reading this to trust in Him for the forgiveness of sins, be baptized and become part of His body, the church.

[@user-rs8nu5du1q]

@@lizzyumoh you are putting yourself back under the law again. The beast of revelation was 1st c unbelieving Israel and the mark of the beast was the law. Without understanding those 2 basic truths, you will always walk in untruth. Jesus did not end what God created jesus ended sin not evil. God created good and evil and they still exist, sin does not. You consider yourself in adam which in a very real way denies what Jesus , the last adam, finished in his short 70 year work on earth. Jesus came to deal with the flesh within which, through sin, only the grave ultimately existed because all were born of satans seed, a lie. Under your theology no one is in heaven because heaven is only opened at the 7th trumpet. Good and evil people exist, pillavacci being the latter, in both the world and all religions. God is all in all and has been for 2000 years and the only currency there is with him is truth and lies. Pillavacci lived his whole professional life as a liar. You have been indoctrinated by the greatest lie perpetrated for the last 2000 years, that sin still exists. Dont worry you are not alone all man made abrahamic religions since 70 AD teach the same lie. Show me one of Jesus prophecies that were not fulfilled by the destruction of the temple then standing and unbelieving Israel. I can save you a search, there are none

[@lizzyumoh]

@@user-rs8nu5du1q I'm not under law but under grace! The "mark of the beast" is definately not the OT law. The theology I hold to on sin is simply the orthodox Christian view, and the new testament makes it clear that sin is something that all people, even believers will battle with until the return of Christ. Jesus's work on the cross broke the power of sin to condemn people before God, because he took that condemnation upon himself in our place, but it didn't end sin itself. As Christians through the power of the Holy Spirit we are changed from loving sin to hating it, but none of us reach sinless perfection this side of eternity! Don't you sin??

[@user-rs8nu5du1q]

@@lizzyumoh Sorry to repeat myself Jesus did not end what God created Jesus ended sin not evil in his short work on the earth. God created good and evil and they still exist isaiah 45v7 and i can discern them with my God given senses to claim all are still cursed with sin filled flesh from birth requires belief in the evil doctrines of man. So to answer your question about if i sin or not the answer is no because sin does not exist. All God is interested in is truth and lies and good and evil. I try to tell the truth to everyone 100% in everything no matter how small and its not as easy as it sounds. Pillavacci is a total liar and the enemy of God. Show me one prophecy of Jesus that was not fulfilled in the destruction of unbelieving Israel and the temple in the 1st c? They dont exist. If Jesus did not come back and destroy them as he promised then no one is in heaven because heaven was only opened at the 7th trumpet. Under your theology we all still sleep in our grave awaiting judgement . That is not true and denies the completed work of Christ. So I will believe that heaven is open now and that when i die I can, thanks to Christ, go to heaven . Wheras you have chosen to deny Christ and expect to sleep in your grave.

[@JuliexSteadman]

@@user-rs8nu5du1q Two scriptures that evidence that sin has not been done away with after we are born again, without effort on our part. Galations 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. 12 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation-but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

[@hannah_marie97]

What is the point of this video? Seems like attention seeking to me. Useless. What is it trying to achieve. Seems like someone just wants to play victim and pretend to have some profound views, even though it's a load of dribble and no one knows what is being said 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@SamHowson]

Got me down to a tee. Thanks Hannah for the insight.

[@Sam-xm8vg]

How is wrestling an abuse? May be he is immature and stupid but. Did he sexually abuse anyone? Making promises and not keeping them is not abuse is it?

[@SamHowson]

in isolation you're right, but I'm trying to tell my experience, which shines a light on the context which was arguably an abusive one. Thanks

[@Sam-xm8vg]

@@SamHowson I think you guys are making a mountain out of a mould. I have not heard anyone say that MP sexually abused him. I don’t know MP but from his name I believe he has a Greek background. They have a different sense of humour. Making false accusations or exaggerating misdeeds is sinful and certainly inhibit the expansion of the Kingdom of God.

[@jordanhalkier81]

As someone who is an athiest myself, I'm always interested in looking into cult dogma and practices and i came across Soul survival on You Tube. Mike always seemed to me like such a strange character, so I'm not surprised that these awful abuse claims have come to light. I don't like how Soul survival themselves are investigating it, why can't they just take the matter to the police. It's not rocket science! 🙄🤦‍♂️

[@SamHowson]

Hey Jordan - keep looking - there is value out there!

[@jordanhalkier81]

@@SamHowson No value in believing in any faith in my view.

[@gareth2736]

Couple of thoughts, isn't it the church of England not soul survivor that are investigating? I think the police aren't investigating (for now) because while the allegations are of behaviour that was really harmful and wrong it doesn't necessarily meet the threshold of being a crime. Plenty of behaviour that is really harmful to others (cheating on a partner, being a bullying boss, being an overly strict or uncaring parent etc) doesn't meet the threshold of being a crime.

[@Sprinter-qk8kr]

Definition of a Cult is hidden ! So you have one leader who hides the information and he knows everything. Then the people have to rely on that one person only. That’s a cult. It’s not a cult if all the information is visible and open to everyone. If the information is written down and you don’t have to rely on that one person, then is it’s not a cult.

[@c0lumbo]

​@@gareth2736The police issued a statement in which they said they are being kept informed of all the allegations, but that so far none of the allegations pointed to any illegal behaviour. They are monitoring the situation, but it doesn't make sense to demand police action when the person hasn't actually committed an offence. This is why labelling this as an "abuse scandal" is potentially misleading. It seems that a lot of people feel they were mistreated, and on some level, it might be considered to have been abusive, but it is becoming clear that Pilavachi was not a sexual predator. He arguably failed to carry out good safeguarding practice, but neither wrestling nor even massage are sexual acts. They can be sexual for some people, but that doesn't mean they were sexual in this instance. The other behaviour that is described sounds like that of a boss who maybe wasn't as good with social stuff as people thought. It all sounds like he's being criticised for things he didn't do, rather than things he intentionally did. Instead of getting carried away with speculation, it is best to let the investigation run its course. If any unlawful activity is reported, the safeguarding teams are legally obliged to take the matter to the police. Police have already been made aware of the issue, but have confirmed that it isn't a criminal matter at this time.