Alex Cooper, the host of the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” has come forward with allegations of sexual harassment she faced from her former soccer coach, Nancy Feldman, during her time at Boston University. Cooper shared her traumatic experiences during a recent episode of the “Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard” podcast, revealing the harrowing details of the alleged abuse she endured.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/alex-cooper-1-061625-9bac4659fa204f3fabbbdc570a828a58.jpg)
Cooper, now 30 years old, recounted how she initially felt excited to join Boston University on a full soccer scholarship, especially under the guidance of a female coach. However, she soon noticed a troubling dynamic with Feldman that escalated throughout her freshman year. Describing the situation as a “slow burn,” Cooper detailed instances where Feldman allegedly exerted control over her through private meetings and inappropriate personal inquiries.
As the alleged harassment continued into her sophomore year, Cooper claimed that the coach’s behaviour became increasingly uncomfortable, focusing more on her personal life than on soccer. Despite feeling uneasy, Cooper attempted to manage the situation to maintain appearances within the team. However, her playtime was reportedly reduced, adding to her distress.
The situation reached a breaking point when Cooper’s teammate, also named Alex, was removed from the team, leaving Cooper feeling isolated and vulnerable. The alleged isolation tactic further impacted Cooper’s mental and emotional well-being, leading her to eventually quit the team. Despite seeking help from Boston University officials and considering legal action, Cooper felt unsupported and unheard.
Years later, after much contemplation and fear of potential backlash, Cooper decided to speak out about her experiences to shed light on the realities of sexual harassment in sports. With a platform like “Call Her Daddy,” Cooper now aims to empower others to speak up against abuse of power, especially in athletic settings.
In the aftermath of Cooper’s revelations, Boston University issued a statement affirming their zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a safe campus environment. Cooper, on her part, took to social media to call out her former coach and college for their roles in the alleged misconduct, vowing to hold them accountable for the pain inflicted.
The impact of the alleged abuse extends beyond Cooper’s college years, as she continues to grapple with traumatic memories that affect her relationship with fitness and her body. Recounting instances where Feldman allegedly monitored her exercise routines, Cooper highlighted the lasting effects of the traumatic experiences she endured.
Despite the challenges she faced and the lingering trauma, Cooper’s decision to speak out serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of advocating for survivors of sexual harassment and abuse. By sharing her story, Cooper emboldens others to confront and address misconduct, striving for accountability and justice in all spheres of society.