Olympic gold medalist and jiu-jitsu standout Amit Elor stepped away from the upbeat content that typically fills her social media feed to deliver a video message in the wake of the arrest of Melqui Galvao, her father-in-law and the head of BJJ College.
“I try to keep my page positive and fun,” Elor said at the opening of the video. “However, with the recent news, it’s extremely hard to stay silent.”
Galvao was taken into custody in Manaus on April 28 following allegations brought forward by three female students. The investigation, led by the 8th Women’s Defense Police Station in São Paulo, was set in motion after a 17-year-old athlete reported alleged misconduct that occurred during a competition trip to Italy.
As the inquiry went on, investigators identified two additional individuals he allegedly targeted, including a girl who was 12 years old at the time of the alleged incidents. Authorities say Galvao reportedly attempted to access the 17-year-old’s phone without her permission, and later tried to discourage her parents from cooperating with authorities by offering professional and financial incentives, including a proposal to establish a gym abroad.
“I am still so disturbed and angry, but extremely proud of the brave girls and their families that spoke up,” Elor said. She then asked anyone with relevant knowledge to come up and speak about it: “If anyone has more information, please come forward.”
Elor then turned her attention to the issue of accountability and prevention, stating: “There has to be a drastic change to protect and educate against sexual abuse. If you witness any misconduct, it is your obligation to report it.”
She also addressed parents directly, saying: “To all the parents out there, especially dads, teach your sons to respect women, because that’s where it all begins.”
Elor had written a post in the days following Galvao’s arrest. In that earlier post, she had written: “Angry and heartbroken. We must protect athletes, especially minors! And hold people accountable.”
She had also spoken directly to those who had experienced misconduct: “To anyone who’s experienced s**ual abuse in any form, your voice matters. Speak up, we will listen, we will stand with you, and together we can compete for justice and safety.”
“If you witness any misconduct and CHOOSE to STAY SILENT and not report it, you are supporting the abusers!! And that makes you no better than they are.”
Elor was not the only prominent figure connected to the situation to speak out. Mica Galvao, Melqui’s son and one of the most recognized names in competitive jiu-jitsu, published a lengthy statement that balanced love for his father with a firm stand on accountability.
“My father, Melqui Galvão, was the one who put me on the mat for the first time as a child,” he wrote. “He was the one who taught me to compete, to respect opponents and to have character. Everything I’ve achieved in life has to do with him. My gratitude and love for him are real and do not change.”
Mica followed it with a clear declaration of principle: “At the same time, I feel obligated to be honest: let the facts be investigated seriously and let Justice fulfill its role. As a person, I repudiate any form of harassment or violence against women and children. This is a value I carry and make no exceptions.”
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation and the Confederação Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu responded to the arrest by issuing a permanent ban against Galvao, barring him from all sanctioned competition and participation under both organizations.
No statement from Galvao or his legal representatives had been released at the time of publication.
