“I was indirectly involved in an unpleasant episode,” writes the Italian swimmer on Instagram. Tarantino, on the other hand, deactivates her accounts, then comes the note from the Italian Swimming Federation, which reserves the right “to carefully evaluate the matter.”

After news of an unpleasant incident involving Italian swimming stars Benedetta Pilato and Chiara Tarantino, the former decided to clarify her position by explaining her version of events in a long post on her Instagram profile. The two swimmers were stopped by the Singapore Police (where they had spent a few days of vacation together after the World Championships) because they were caught on surveillance cameras stealing before boarding their flight back to Italy. Tarantino, who ‘disappeared’ from social media after likely deactivating her accounts following the incident, allegedly put some items in Pilato’s bag.

“I would like to share some thoughts on what has recently emerged about me. During my return from Asia, following my participation in the World Championships and a short private stay with my teammates from the national swimming team, I was indirectly involved in an unpleasant incident handled by the Singapore airport authorities. In what should have been days of rest and mental relaxation, I instead experienced particularly difficult moments far from home, which fortunately turned out to be beyond my control, but which deeply affected me on a personal level. I would like to point out that I cooperated with the local authorities from the outset, with the full support of the Italian Embassy. Fortunately, the matter was resolved in a few hours, without any implications, thanks in part to my complete transparency with the Singapore airport authorities. I never had any intention of doing anything inappropriate, and those who know me know how much I value sportsmanship, fairness, and personal honesty. However, I have learned a great deal from this experience about prudence, individual responsibility, and the value of the people around me. Now I can return to focusing on my sporting career with peace of mind and greater determination. I am deeply grateful to those who have supported me discreetly, without making gratuitous judgments, and who continue to believe in me.”

The Italian Swimming Federation’s statement—  The Italian Swimming Federation (FIN) also took a position after the incident. “With regard to the news reports concerning Benedetta Pilato and Chiara Tarantino, the Italian Swimming Federation emphasizes that the incident attributed to them took place outside of federal activities, during a vacation period. The facts have been clarified by the athletes with the local authorities, with the support of the Italian embassy, which was already in contact with the Federation in relation to the World Aquatics Championships held in Singapore from July 11 to August 3. Condemning the incident, the Italian Swimming Federation reserves the right to carefully evaluate the matter.”