Bikram Yoga: Sexual Assault + Rape Allegations

The popularity of Bikram Yoga is undeniable. From celebrity devotees to people claiming their lives were transformed through this practice, it is no surprise that Bikram Yoga gained a large number of followers. Sadly, its founder, Bikram Choudhury, is alleged to have sexually assaulted many of his former students in both the US and abroad. He is yet to deal with the serious consequences of his alleged actions. 

If you are a regular yoga practitioner or a fitness enthusiast, you want to be safe in your fitness center. While no one can guarantee protection from sexual violence at any place, it is possible to make our fitness facilities safer. This can be done if sexual assault survivors come forward to report the crime and prevent offenders from harming others. At Edwards Henderson, our dedicated sexual assault lawyers understand the complexities of sexual assault cases, and are here to represent yoga studio sexual assault survivors in civil lawsuits. 

What is Sexual Assault? 

Sexual assault refers to any non-consensual sexual activity that occurs without the mutual consent of all involved parties. Sexual assault is not limited to physical force; it can also involve the threat of sexual violence. Anyone, regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, or age, can be a victim of sexual assault at any place. 

Sexual assault is a gross violation of a person’s sexual and bodily autonomy and dignity. It may cause immense physical, emotional, and psychological harm, both in the immediate aftermath of the crime and in the long run. This is why it is important to seek out help and report sexual assault so that you may reassert action in your life and also prevent the offender from repeating the crime. 

Who is Bikram Choudhury? 

Bikram Choudhury’s reputation in the yoga community has long been fraught with controversy. A self-proclaimed guru, Choudhury came to the United States in the seventies and created Bikram Yoga, consisting of 26 postures performed in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 percent humidity. Choudhury’s innovative approach to yoga garnered significant attention. However, it was discovered that his sequences and asanas were not entirely original, but largely inspired by traditional yoga practices already taught in India. He also touted himself as a yoga champion in India, despite there being no competitive yoga at the time.

Choudhury’s penchant for embellishing, or completely making up stories, built him a reputation that goes beyond just being a yoga teacher. For instance, he has made false statements claiming that he saved former President Richard Nixon from a leg amputation and that he provided yoga instruction to both the Beatles and NASA astronauts. He was also known for his extravagant lifestyle, including owning a fleet of expensive cars.

With the success of Bikram Yoga, Choudhury began hosting teacher training courses, thereby spreading the practice of Bikram Yoga across the world, opening up 650 licensed Bikram Yoga studios. However, as allegations of sexual assault and rape emerged, his legacy quickly became tarnished. The allegations, coupled with his fraudulent claims, have shattered the image of a revered yoga guru, and revealed a man who allegedly used his power and influence to prey on vulnerable students. Bikram’s case showcases how many sexual abusers use their power and influence to commit acts of sexual violence without being held accountable for a long time. 

Bikram Yoga Founder Lawsuit 

Choudhury, who held immense control over his students, used his position to target young women for sexual crimes, taking advantage of their trust and admiration for him as their teacher. He created a hyper-sexualized environment within his yoga studios, where he would often parade around in only a speedo, encouraging his students to do the same. He reportedly targeted young women who had a passion for yoga, exploiting and manipulating them for his sexual gratification. These grooming tactics allowed him to project an image of innocence, despite mounting evidence against him. 

The first accusations against Choudhury were made in 2013, and since then, many sexual assault survivors have come forward with similar stories of sexual assault and harassment. These lawsuits not only aim to hold Choudhury accountable for his alleged crimes but also shed light on the larger issue of sexual abuse within the fitness industry. 

Sexual Assault Charges

Minakshi Jaffa-Bodden, a former legal advisor for Bikram Yoga, filed the first lawsuit against the founder. This courageous action paved the way for many more survivors to come forward and seek justice. Jaffa-Bodden’s lawsuit against Choudhury showed allegations of rape, sexual abuse, misogyny, homophobia, racism, sexual harassment, and even threats of violence. Shockingly, Jaffa-Bodden’s attempts to address these serious allegations were met with intimidation and retaliation, and she was forced to resign in March 2013. 

Following a twelve-day trial in January 2016, Jaffa-Bodden was awarded $6.4 million in punitive damages and almost $1 million in compensatory damages for the harassment and retaliation she endured while working at Choudhury’s Los Angeles headquarters. This lawsuit serves as an important step towards holding Choudhury accountable for his alleged crimes.

Rape Accusations

Also in 2013, three women, Sarah Baughn, Larissa Anderson, and Jill Lawler, accused Bikram Choudhury of sexual assault. In total, seven women filed civil lawsuits against Choudhury, alleging sexual assault, harassment, rape, and other forms of misconduct. These accusations paint a grim picture of a man who used his influence to prey on vulnerable individuals who trusted him as their yoga teacher. 

Despite the serious allegations, Bikram Choudhury has not faced many repercussions for his actions. While he was found liable for sexual harassment and wrongful termination in one civil lawsuit, no criminal charges were pursued by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. Choudhury fled the country after the verdict, leaving several lawsuits pending and debts unpaid. He continues to lead yoga teacher training across the world. 

How Common is Sexual Assault at a Fitness Center? 

Sexual assault is a pervasive issue that can occur in any setting, including fitness centers such as yoga studios. According to survey data from FitRated, close to 71% of women experience sexual harassment at the gym on a daily basis. Similarly, a 2020 study by GolfSupport revealed that 78% of women fear sexual harassment in fitness centers. 

One factor that contributes to the prevalence of sexual assault at fitness and wellness facilities is the power dynamic between instructors and attendees. Instructors hold positions of authority and trust, and some may take advantage of this power to commit heinous crimes. This is especially true in practices like yoga, which are often associated with spirituality and personal growth. Yoga teachers like Bikram Choudhury exploit this association to manipulate and control their followers, while also using their status to cover up or prevent exposure to their crimes.

Long-Term Effects of Sexual Assault 

Sexual assault is a traumatic experience with profound and lasting effects on survivors, such as:

Mental Health:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Survivors may experience intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, and emotional distress related to the assault.
• Anxiety and Depression: The trauma of sexual assault often contributes to the development of anxiety and depression disorders.
• Dissociation: Some survivors may often disconnect from their emotions or have difficulty feeling present in their bodies.
• Self-esteem and self-worth: Survivors may struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame, impacting their sense of self-worth.

Physical Health:

• Eating disorders: Many sexual assault survivors develop disordered eating habits and addiction issues as a way to cope with the emotional aftermath of the assault and regain a perceived sense of control over their bodies.
• Chronic pain: Survivors may experience chronic physical pain linked to trauma from the assault, such as headaches, backaches, and stomachaches.
• Sleep disturbances: Sexual assault can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or nightmares, further impacting overall physical health and well-being.
• Sexual health issues: Sexual assault may lead to sexual dysfunction, changes in sexual desire, and discomfort or pain during sexual activity.

Relationships:

• Isolation: Survivors may withdraw from social activities and relationships because of feelings of shame, fear, or mistrust.
• Difficulty establishing boundaries: The trauma of sexual assault often makes it challenging for survivors to set and enforce healthy boundaries in relationships.
• Trust and intimacy issues: Sexual assault makes it challenging for survivors to trust others, resulting in difficulties forming and maintaining intimate relationships.

How To Sue for Sexual Assault 

If you have experienced sexual assault, remember that you have the right to seek justice and hold the perpetrator accountable. Many sexual assault survivors do not know that they have the option to file a civil sexual assault lawsuit as well. A civil lawsuit allows you to seek monetary compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm you suffered as a result of the assault. This way, you may access resources such as therapy, to heal from the crime.

To successfully sue for sexual assault, it is prudent to consult a skilled and experienced sexual assault attorney who would understand your goals and guide you through the complexities of the legal process. A sexual assault lawyer with the right legal background and expertise will know whom to sue, how to gather relevant evidence, and how to present your case in court. 

Our sexual assault attorneys have years of experience in handling similar cases such as yours, and can help you understand whether you have a potential lawsuit against the perpetrator and the fitness center that enabled the occurrence of the crime or did not take adequate measures to report it. 

When Should I Contact a Sexual Assault Attorney? 

If you experienced sexual assault in a yoga studio, fitness center, or in any other setting, you might want to contact a sexual assault attorney as soon as possible. Acting quickly can help build a strong case, as memories fade and evidence can be lost or destroyed. Your sexual assault lawyer will help you gather witness statements, medical records, audio recordings, timestamp records, and any other evidence that can support your case against a fitness center.

At the same time, remember that you may contact a sexual assault attorney even if you were assaulted a long time ago. Due to the sensitive nature of this crime, many states like New York and California, have eliminated or extended the statute of limitations on filing a civil sexual assault lawsuit. Contact a local sexual assault attorney to understand the laws in your state and determine if you still qualify to file a lawsuit. 

Get Free and Confidential Consultation With a Sexual Assault Attorney

Sexual assault is a despicable crime that can only be mitigated when sexual assault survivors report the crime and file lawsuits against establishments that foster a culture of secrecy to silence survivors. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual assault at a fitness center, our sexual assault attorneys are here to help you provide a safe and confidential space to share your story and seek justice. 

Our attorneys at Edwards Henderson are dedicated to fighting for survivor’s rights, which is how we are nationally recognized for our track record of success in recovering compensation on their behalf. Contact us today and take the first step toward seeking the justice you deserve.