Harvard diving coach accused of sexual misconduct by young athletes

Harvard University has placed its head diving coach on leave amid accusations of sexual misconduct.

Chris Heaton, 31, allegedly texted photos of his penis to young female athletes and solicited nude images from them.

Heaton, who was hired by Harvard in August this year, met the athletes while he was working at Ripfest, a competitive diving camp in Indiana.

According to a class action lawsuit filed against Ripfest and USA Diving this week, complaints had been made about the coach’s behaviour from as early as 2015.

Three women who attended the diving camp claim they reported the actions of Heaton and other instructors to the event’s program officials, but their complaints were ultimately ignored.

They also allege Ripfest organisers didn’t do enough to protect the athletes in attendance from sexual predators. 

In a statement to various media outlets, Harvard confirms Heaton was placed on leave on Tuesday, pending a university review, after reports of his alleged behaviour emerged.

Spokesperson Rachael Dane also claims the allegations were not known to the prestigious American university when the father of three was hired.

Heaton is not named as a primary defendant in the lawsuit and is yet to publicly comment on the allegations against him.