Senator Nova Peris scandal: Ato Boldon responds to claims

Ato Boldon has responded to the publication of leaked emails that reveal a taxpayer funded sexual tryst he carried out with Nova Peris in 2010.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2000 : Athlete Ato Boldon during press conference at Darling Harbour while in Sydney for 2000 Olympic Games, 20/09/00. Pic Darren Seiler. Athletics P/L

OLYMPIC medallist Ato Boldon has responded to the publication of leaked emails that reveal a taxpayer funded sexual tryst he carried out with Nova Peris in 2010.

The emails, published by the NT News, reveal Peris sought funds from Athletics Australia and other sources to pay for Mr Boldon’s trip to Australia in 2010.

MORE: Nova Bombshell: Emails reveal Nova’s ‘freaky’ sex scandal

Ato Boldon and Nova Peris pictured hosting an Athletics clinic with young kids at Lalor.

Mr Boldon this morning confirmed he had taken the “successful” trip.

“Nova Peris is a former training partner of mine, and has been a friend for almost 20 years,” Mr Boldon said.

“My trip to Australia almost five years ago was for the purpose of holding several youth clinics, and it was a successful undertaking. The trip was co-organised by one of my now-deceased colleagues at Athletics Australia.”

Nova Peris is a former training partner of mine, and has been a friend for almost 20 years. My trip to (cont) http://t.co/FlixDRITcW

— Ato Boldon (@AtoBoldon) October 28, 2014

Boldon went on to express that he was displeased with the story, going on to say he believed some of the revelations included “gross fabrications”.

“I will be following the senator’s lead, including, but not limited to, pursuing all legal action possible for this malicious misrepresentation for the details surrounding my presence in Australia in 2010.”

Ato Boldon with Maurice Green during Sydney Olympic Games training session 14 Sep. 2000.

The NT News today published emails that reveal Ms Peris had sought funds to pay for Mr Boldon’s trip to Australia from LA to take part in a 1- day official “Jump Start to London” program for young athletes.

“She also used that trip to carry out a ‘just like a Tim-tam ... black on black’ affair with Mr Boldon,” the NT News says.

Ms Peris was working as a communication officer with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Studies at the time and as an ambassador for Athletics Australia.

She was married to Olympian Daniel Batman, who was father to two of her three children at the time.

Senator Nova Peris. Photo by: Richard Jupe

Emails obtained by the NT News reveal Peris and Boldon planned to carry out an extramarital affair while he was in Australia.

“ ... You should be compensated for your long haul travels across the pacific. sexually of course … but only. a tired traveller should kick back for a few days,” Ms Peris says on Feb. 28, 2010.

In other emails Ms Peris tells Mr Boldon that Sally McGrady from Athletics Australia would be arranging his payment and that Nova set it up so he would not have to pay tax on his earnings.

Ms Peris also sent multiple nude pictures of herself to Mr Boldon and spoke candidly about her views on race relations in Australia.

Then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard with Nova Peris at Parliament House in Canberra, after Nova Peris was announced as the preferred Senate Candidate for the Northern Territory.

Ms Peris responded to questions posed by the NT News last night, saying she “categorically rejects any wrongdoing”.

“During his trip Mr Boldon promoted athletics, attended and promoted specific events and conducted clinics for young indigenous athletes,” she said. “Other organisations, including the West Australian Government, supported some events during the visit. I understand Athletics Australia was pleased with the outcome of the visit.

“The highs and lows of my athletic career — and now political career — are public.

“The highs and lows of my private life are matters for me and my family.”

Ms Peris was elected to the Australian Senate in 2013, after a push from then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard who installed her as the preselected Labor candidate as “captain’s pick” deposing incumbent Labor senator Trish Crossin.

Nova Peris was elevated to the Senate over former senator Trish Crossin.

The former senator told news.com.au she didn’t think it was appropriate for her to comment on emails published today.

Bill Shorten has also decline to comment on the revelations, saying the emails are “deeply personal” and “predate” Nova Peris’ time in Parliament.

“I’ve seen the report. I don’t have any comments to make. Senator Peris has denied any wrongdoing,” the Opposition Shorten told ABC radio.

The Prime Minister’s chief adviser on indigenous affairs, Chair of the Prime Minister’s indigenous Advisory Council has spoken out in support of Ms Peris, but acknowledge she had some questions to answer.

“You know, what people do in their privacy is their own business. We don’t have moral police in Australia. And the only thing that’s of interest is whether the taxpayers go bang for the dollar,” he told ABC’s AM program.

When asked if Senator Peris should stand aside, Mr Mundine said: “No, I think at this stage, there’s questions have been raised. I think she just needs to answer those questions and that’s it.”

The NT News has today said: “We stand by the story, which deals with a matter of public importance, namely the alleged misuse of taxpayer funds.

“Copies of the emails, which we are satisfied are 100% legitimate, were volunteered to the NT News by a credible source.”