Major update in alleged Fiji rape case as nightclub breaks silence after Virgin Australia crew were attacked after a New Year’s Eve party
A Fijian nightclub that a Virgin Australia flight crew attended before one was raped and another allegedly assaulted has said it is the victim of a “negative image”.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister also said he is concerned about the impact the alleged incident will have on the holiday island’s reputation.
The woman and man were allegedly attacked early on Wednesday morning in the tourist town of Nadi, on the picturesque west coast of the holiday island.
The 21-year-old Melbourne woman became separated from the rest of her crew during a night out in Martintar, a popular entertainment district in Nadi.
The male crew member was reportedly robbed and suffered facial injuries in a separate incident after New Year’s celebrations.
A man was charged with raping and assaulting the woman on Saturday and will appear in the Nadi Magistrates Court on Monday.
In a post on social media on Sunday, the nightclub said it was “important to clarify that this incident did not occur within Bar One, nor in the immediate vicinity of our establishment.”
“The Virgin Airlines crew are regular customers at Bar One and we have never experienced similar incidents in the past,” the message said.
“It is therefore disheartening to see our establishment being portrayed in a negative light due to circumstances not directly related to our bar.”
A Fijian nightclub (pictured) where a Virgin Australia flight crew was present before one was raped and another allegedly attacked has said it is the victim of a ‘negative portrayal’
Bar One’s Facebook post also asked “loyal customers” to share its statement to “encourage others to also inform the media.”
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka sympathized with the alleged victims earlier this week.
He said a suspect “known to police” had been questioned in connection with both encounters.
“Our thoughts and concerns are with (the crew members) and for their health and well-being. These alleged incidents are deplorable,” Mr Gavoka said.
“The crew, who are in good health, are being accommodated in a local hotel which is the nominated crew accommodation for stopovers.”
The Virgin crew was staying at the Tanoa Hotel Nadi when the incident occurred.
Mr Gavoka, who is also tourism minister, said he was concerned the incidents could damage the island’s reputation as a holiday destination.
“Unfortunately, incidents like this can happen anywhere and Fiji is not immune. “We remind tourists to be careful in nightclub areas and late at night,” he said.
The Virgin crew was staying at the Tanoa Hotel Nadi (pictured) when the incident occurred
The alleged incidents came just weeks after Fiji hit global headlines when seven tourists – including four Australians – were hospitalized last month after drinking pina coladas at a bar at the swanky Warwick Resort.
Four Australian women aged between 18 and 56 were hospitalized in critical condition after consuming the drinks at the five-star resort.
They suffered from nausea, vomiting and neurological symptoms, with one victim’s friend telling Daily Mail Australia she was “foaming at the mouth” and having seizures.
Mr Gavoka said a toxicology report cleared the cocktails – and the source of the poisoning remains a mystery.
“I can confirm that no illegal substances or methanol were found in the ingredients or beverage samples,” he said.
“All affected tourists and locals have now been discharged from medical care and fully recovered. This is a great relief.’
Virgin crew members have now left Fiji.