‘Very disappointing’: Teacher who ‘groomed’ Victoria’s Secret model loses job

The teacher who was found to have “groomed” a Victoria’s Secret model when she was his student in Perth has been dealt a new blow.

A teacher who was found to have engaged in “grooming-like behaviour” with an ex-student in Perth has now been sacked from his job in Brisbane.

Music teacher Aurelio Gallo lost his teaching licence in WA for at least three-and-a-half years last month after he was found to have engaged in “serious misconduct” with model Bridget Malcolm when she was his student at Methodist Ladies’ College and after she graduated in 2007.

The State Administrative Tribunal said in its findings released last week that the alleged grooming included asking her to send him photos and meet him for dinner.

Mr Gallo, 53, was stood down by John Paul College in Brisbane after the SAT decision was handed down, while the Queensland College of Teachers also suspended him.

But on Friday, school principal Karen Spiller said he was no longer working at the school.

Model Bridget Malcolm was allegedly groomed by her teacher. Picture: Bridget Malcolm/Instagram

“I am writing to the college community to update you about the matter relating to our Head of Performing Arts, Mr Bobby Gallo,” she wrote in a letter.

“I can now confirm that Mr Gallo is no longer employed by John Paul College with immediate effect.

“The safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount to all we do.

“Clear professional standards are expected of our staff, and this has been a very disappointing episode for the college and our community.

The school will now move to recruit a new leader in co-curricular performance.

“Once again, I acknowledge the courage of the alumnus in Western Australia who has raised this issue and encourage anyone with any concerns to reach out to me,” the principal said.

Ms Malcolm said she initially saw her teacher as a mentor. Picture: Bridget Malcolm/Instagram

Bridget Malcolm said she initially had no idea her teacher’s behaviour was inappropriate. Picture: Bridget Malcolm/Instagram

Meanwhile, former Mercy College students in Perth are being urged to contact police if they have any relevant information about Mr Gallo, who also previously taught at that school.

Principal Lisa Fogliani said in the letter that while the school had never received any complaints against Mr Gallo, the college wanted to be “proactive”.

Ms Malcolm, 30, has spoken out about the alleged grooming behaviour.

The model, who has appeared in Victoria’s Secret fashion shows, said she had “no idea” his behaviour was inappropriate at the time, describing him as a “fantastic” teacher.

“I thought I had a mentor,” she told ABC radio this week.

“I think the nature of these sorts of dynamics is that when you’re in it you don’t realise how unbalanced it is.

Bridget Malcolm has modelled for Victoria’s Secret.

“It was when I got a bit older and when the tone of the conversation began to change that was when I started to realise what had been happening, and I started to have feelings and reactions to it.

“I carried a lot of self-blame, I carried a lot of guilt, I carried a lot of shame.”

Ms Malcolm said she was proud of herself for coming forward.

Mr Gallo admitted he engaged in serious misconduct and it was inappropriate, but denied engaging in grooming behaviour.

It was also revealed this week that Mr Gallo had relisted his Queensland home for sale.

According to property records, his $1.3m home was listed for sale on the same day the SAT decision was released.

The massive 4200 sqm property has four bedrooms and a large pool.

It has been listed as part of a potential development site.