Full Breakdown
Lawsuit Alleges Racial and Sexual Abuse in Elite Water Polo Program
3/4/2026, 1:43:55 AM
Allegations of Abuse at Harvard-Westlake School
A lawsuit has been filed against Lucca van der Woude, a prominent water polo player, alleging a pattern of racial and sexual abuse directed at his black teammate, Aidan Romain, at Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles. The legal complaint, submitted to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims that van der Woude, along with two other teammates, subjected Romain to daily racial slurs, physical abuse, and sexual assault from August 2022 until February 2024. The lawsuit names Harvard-Westlake School, its president Richard B. Commons, and water polo coach Jack Grover as defendants, accusing them of failing to take appropriate action despite being informed of the abuse.
Details of the Allegations
According to the lawsuit, van der Woude and his teammates repeatedly used derogatory racial slurs against Romain, with the abuse reportedly beginning on the first day of practice when Romain was just 14 years old. The complaint details instances where Romain was whipped with ropes and subjected to humiliating jokes about his race. The abuse allegedly occurred in the presence of school staff, who did not intervene. Romain's mother met with Coach Grover in March 2023, who purportedly expressed sympathy and promised to ensure Romain's safety, yet the abuse continued.
The lawsuit further claims that van der Woude sexually assaulted Romain multiple times, including incidents in the school pool and on campus. In one instance, Romain was allegedly assaulted while walking up a flight of stairs. Another teammate reportedly attacked Romain in the outdoor showers, leading to Romain being punished instead of protected. Following these incidents, Romain was demoted and suspended, causing him to miss several games.
Legal Proceedings and Consequences
On February 28, 2024, van der Woude was arrested on campus for sexual assault. He later admitted to charges of sexual penetration with a foreign object against a minor in a juvenile court, resulting in a plea agreement that included a no-contact order with Romain. Despite the serious allegations, the lawsuit claims that Harvard-Westlake allowed van der Woude to transfer to Newport Harbor High School, where he continued to play water polo.
Romain's attorneys argue that the school's inaction contributed to the escalation of abuse, leading to severe emotional distress for Romain, who subsequently relocated to Barcelona, Spain, to pursue water polo training in a safer environment. Van der Woude, meanwhile, has continued his water polo career, representing Team USA and mentoring younger players, despite UCLA revoking his commitment due to his legal issues.
Criticism of Institutional Response
Critics of Harvard-Westlake's handling of the situation have raised concerns about the school's alleged failure to protect students and adequately address reports of abuse. The lawsuit highlights a systemic issue within elite athletic programs regarding the treatment of marginalized students and the accountability of institutions in safeguarding their welfare.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He [Grover] promised to keep Plaintiff safe and to protect him moving forward,” — Legal Complaint
- “admitted in Los Angeles County Juvenile Division Court … to sexual penetration with a foreign object (digital penetration) against a minor,” — Orange County Register
This case underscores the urgent need for schools to implement effective measures to prevent and address abuse, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
