Musician speaks out on cruise assault

A 29-year-old Kraaifontein musician and mother is preparing to lay formal criminal charges on South African soil after she reported that she was allegedly sexually assaulted and choked by her colleague on the MSC Musica while being ashore in Portugal. MSC authorities have confirmed an investigation is under way.

The colleague, who is also a South African musician, was her singing partner as a music duo aboard the ship.

The woman and the colleague's cabin were cordoned off for 24 hours before he was allowed to subsequently resume his duties as a singer .

The victim, who cannot be identified, told Cape Argus this week, upon returning home from the cruise ship, that she is now preparing to formally open a case with police.

In response to Cape Argus' queries about allegations, MSC Cruises spokesperson confirmed that the investigation was being conducted with support to the victim: "A serious allegation of sexual assault was reported by one of our female onboard crew against a male crew member.

"This is currently being thoroughly investigated, and we have provided her with every level of support for her wellbeing.

"As the investigation is ongoing, we have nothing to add at this stage other than to say that we have a zero-tolerance policy towards any type of assault against any of our passengers or crew members."

What was supposed to be the dream opportunity for the young mother, allegedly became a nightmare on December 6.

She had been contracted as a pianist and singer on the MSC Musica for six months, which covers the route of Spain and Portugal until May 2026.

Following the ordeal and reporting it to authorities in Human Resources and her contracting agency, she claimed she was told to continue her performing act with the alleged perpetrator with a "the show must go on policy".

"I was given the option to involve Portuguese law enforcement and MSC Security can handle the matter directly and chose MSC," she added.

"The inappropriate behaviour began with remarks of a sexual nature early in the contract, escalating to inappropriate comments (e.g., 'I still owe him a kiss'). I politely declined and maintained that I do not mix business and pleasure.

"My attempts to limit contact, including reducing time spent at the crew bar to 10-15 minutes, were unsuccessful."

She added that six days after arriving on the ship, after their performance, she was allegedly pursued to her cabin despite repeatedly telling her colleague that she was tired and that he then forced himself sexually despite her protests.

"I asked him to leave. When I opened my door, he forced his way in, insisting he would only stay for 5 to 10 minutes."He eventually sat on my bunk bed and refused to leave when asked. At this point, I was forced to sleep with him, and he touched me inappropriately.

"In an attempt to make him stop, I stated I had my period, to which he responded, 'eff the period.' He insisted I look at him, which I refused to do. When he was finished, he left as if nothing had happened."

She added that a few days later, in a separate incident at the crew bar she was again allegedly attacked: "The colleague grabbed my neck, choked me, said 'night,' and whispered in my ear, 'I'm going to my cabin' before smiling and walking out.

She then reported the incident to the MSC Musica Chief Security and Human Resources.

"I was moved to a cabin two decks above my original location," she explained.

"The cabins of both myself and the colleague were cordoned off for 24 hours.

"I refused to perform while the investigation was ongoing due to the distress the incident caused, though the colleague resumed duty.

"I faced cross-questioning from the personnel who initially advised me to report the incident, which made me feel that I was risking my colleague's job and that my rights were being violated, leading to significant emotional distress.

"My contract is being terminated. The Chief Musician stated that I cannot stay onboard doing nothing. I was informed that if I do not wish to work with another person or backing tracks, I can leave at my own expense.

"I was told this expense would be reimbursed pending the outcome of the investigation."

Her spiritual leader, who cannot be identified in order to protect her identity, and who has been assisting her since the alleged incident occurred, said he was disturbed that the alleged offender was allowed to continue working.

"I am strongly troubled by the absence of accountability, with conviction that justice and truth must be upheld without fear or favoritism," he said.