Masseur sentenced for assaulting famous singer

Masseur Sundaralingam Koodalingam has been sentenced for sexually assaulting a young singer in a London massage studio.

Famous singer shares experience of sexual assault in London massage parlour

In a troubling case from London, a renowned singer and actress revealed the emotional toll she faces after being sexually assaulted by her masseur at the Rupert Jade Thai Massage in Soho. Sundaralingam Koodalingam, aged 36 and originally from the Maldives, received a four-year prison sentence after the court found him guilty of assault by penetration and sexual assault. During a session, Koodalingam improperly touched the singer while she lay naked on the table. In a victim impact statement, she expressed significant psychological distress, stating the assault drastically changed her life, making her feel untrusting and fearful. The court heard how she struggles with panic attacks and has had to seek regular therapy since the incident.

The case highlights a disturbing breach of trust in a setting meant for care and relaxation. It spotlights the ongoing struggle for victims to process their trauma publicly. The singer's candid account of her feelings regarding the assault reveals a stark reality faced by many survivors: they do not only suffer physical violations but also deep emotional ramifications that can stifle their personal and creative lives. This incident raises critical questions about the safety of clients in therapeutic environments, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and awareness about consent and professional ethics within the massage industry.

Highlights

The repercussions of such violations extend far beyond legal consequences, impacting victims deeply.