23-6-2023 (MALE) Xu Yitong, a 26-year-old Chinese student, has come forward with allegations of rape and assault against a butler employed at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives. The incident is said to have occurred during her stay on June 6th. Xu shared images of her injuries on social media, claiming that hotel staff confiscated her computer and towels that had been stained with the perpetrator’s semen. She further asserted that the hotel staff accused her of fabricating the incident to obtain a free stay and asked her to leave the premises without offering an apology.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, situated on Fari Island, had recently received the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star award for 2023. Xu Yitong, of Chinese origin but currently residing in Australia, had checked into The Ritz-Carlton Maldives when an unfortunate incident unfolded. Accidentally damaging her phone with water, she found herself unable to contact her family. A butler was dispatched to her room to offer assistance, lending her his phone. However, according to Xu Yitong, this butler allegedly sexually harassed her by offering her gum and attempting to initiate a kiss. Despite her clear refusals and aversion to physical contact, he persisted in making advances, forcefully trying to insert his tongue into her mouth. Xu claimed that he then pushed her onto the bed, removed his pants, forced his penis into her mouth twice, and engaged in inappropriate touching.
When faced with resistance, the butler reportedly proceeded to masturbate onto Xu Yitong’s computer screen before cleaning it with a towel and departing, suggesting that she needed time to open up. Xu reported the incident to hotel management, who allegedly tried to confiscate her laptop and the semen-soaked towel from her room. Police were called to take her statement and collect samples from her mouth, but they reportedly stated that they had insufficient grounds to arrest the accused employee. Xu claimed to have sustained bruises across her body and was subsequently expelled from the hotel without receiving an apology.
Seeking assistance, Xu Yitong initially reached out to Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed. She has also leveled accusations against the hotel management and the Maldives police, claiming that they have failed to take any action in response to her complaint.
On June 21st, the Maldives Police Service responded to the allegations, issuing a press statement affirming that they are conducting a thorough investigation. However, no arrests have been made thus far. Xu Yitong expressed her extreme vulnerability and the distressing experience of remaining alone in the same location where the assault occurred for over 24 hours. She had to make the unaccompanied journey back to the airport and now questions the availability of victim support in her situation. Additionally, she raises concerns regarding the authorities’ adherence to proper legal procedures.
I felt so unprotected and had to endure being all alone in the same place where I was raped for more 24 hours. I had to travel back to airport all by myself. I’m just wondering, where was the victim support? Were all the necessary processes under local law followed? No! @PoliceMv https://t.co/qh2h8zx6hM
— XuYitong (@YolyYitong) June 22, 2023
Despite these recent developments, Xu Yitong continues to express disappointment with the authorities, citing their failure to protect her and the subsequent vulnerable state in which she was left. She laments the lack of progress in the police investigation.
In response to the incident, Xu Yitong penned separate letters to Mariyam Muna, the President of the Human Rights Commission Maldives, and Gasim Abdul Kareem, President of the National Integrity Commission of Maldives. In these letters, she urged them to monitor and investigate the case while ensuring that the police adhere to legal procedures. Xu hopes for justice to be served and for the authorities to take appropriate action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
I have written a letter to the President of @hrcmv, @muna__78, and to the President of @NIC_Maldives, @GasimAbdulKare1, pleading for their intervention and investigation to ensure justice in my rape case at Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands.#VisitMaldives #RCMemories pic.twitter.com/itddfmHYMG
— XuYitong (@YolyYitong) June 23, 2023
The alleged inefficiency of the police in handling this case raises concerns regarding the safety of tourists in the Maldives. With tourism being a crucial source of revenue for the country, incidents like these can severely tarnish its reputation and negatively impact the industry. It is imperative that the authorities respond swiftly and decisively to guarantee the safety and security of all visitors to the Maldives.
