Listen to Fox News Articles: An Overview of the USA Fencing Lawsuit
In an exclusive report, two members of the USA Fencing board of directors have filed a lawsuit against the other six board members. The plaintiffs, Andrey Geva and Abdel Salem, claim that chair Damien Lehfeldt made false statements during a congressional hearing on transgender athletes held by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on May 7, 2025. They are seeking to have Lehfeldt removed from his position as chair of USA Fencing.
Background on the Lawsuit
Geva and Salem, both deeply connected to the sport, are taking legal action after alleging that Lehfeldt falsely announced Geva’s resignation from the board during a meeting on June 7. This lawsuit comes on the heels of a highly publicized incident featuring women’s fencer Stephanie Turner, who protested against a transgender opponent and faced repercussions from USA Fencing.
During the May 7 hearing, Lehfeldt was the sole representative to testify on behalf of USA Fencing. The lawsuit contends that his testimony included “false and misleading claims” that could jeopardize the organization’s status as a national governing body (NGB). The plaintiffs argue that Lehfeldt’s statements have alienated a significant portion of the fencing community, which contributes over 90% of USA Fencing’s revenue.
The Fallout from the Hearing
The congressional hearing was prompted by a controversial incident involving Turner, who knelt in protest against a transgender competitor. Geva attempted to voice his concerns at the hearing but alleges he was met with threats intended to silence him. Prior to the hearing, he sent a letter to Senator Ted Cruz expressing his views on the advantages that biological males may have in women’s fencing. This letter was cited during the hearing by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
In the aftermath, Geva claims he faced backlash from fellow board members, leading to calls for a special meeting aimed at removing or disciplining him.
USA Fencing’s Response
USA Fencing has publicly acknowledged the lawsuit, asserting its commitment to transparency and integrity in serving its community, which includes athletes, coaches, referees, and clubs. In a statement, the organization emphasized its intention to vigorously defend itself in court and to prioritize the advancement of fencing nationwide.
The organization has faced significant scrutiny since the release of footage depicting Turner’s protest. Lehfeldt’s testimony further fueled criticism, especially after he made controversial comments on social media and during the hearing itself. At one point, he admitted to fabricating an email from a fictional fencing mother, which he referred to in a flippant manner.
The Broader Implications
Amid the ongoing scrutiny, USA Fencing’s board has voted to amend policies that previously prioritized LGBTQ-friendly laws for hosting competitions, along with a policy that may have restricted the playing of the national anthem at certain events. These changes were made during the board’s June 7 meeting, following the backlash from Turner’s protest.
As the situation evolves, both Geva and Salem are advocating for changes within the organization, echoing calls from Turner for resignations from those who made disparaging remarks.
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About the Author
Jackson Thompson is a seasoned sports writer for Fox News Digital, with prior experience at ESPN and Business Insider. He has covered major sporting events like the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, interviewing iconic athletes along the way.
