Alex Cooper has brought forth serious allegations against her former soccer coach, Nancy Feldman, in a new documentary titled “Call Her Alex.” Premiering on June 8 at the Tribeca Festival, Cooper claims she faced sexual harassment during her time at Boston University from 2013 to 2015. According to Cooper, Feldman displayed an unusual fixation on her, which outweighed her attention towards other teammates.
Cooper’s accusations include inappropriate comments from Feldman about her body and personal life. She recalls Feldman asking about her dating life and making remarks about her legs, even placing a hand on Cooper’s thigh. In a particularly unsettling incident, Feldman allegedly inquired if Cooper had been intimate the previous night.
The documentary reveals Cooper’s discomfort with Feldman’s advances, describing them as a “psychotic game.” Feldman allegedly insisted on driving Cooper to her night class, forcing her into uncomfortable situations. Cooper’s fear of losing her full-tuition scholarship at Boston University kept her from speaking out at the time.
Cooper informed her parents about the harassment, who then sought legal advice. However, they were warned that pursuing the matter legally would be a long and arduous process. Despite providing written documentation to university officials, Cooper claims no action was taken against Feldman.
Feldman continued in her coaching role until her retirement in 2022, leaving a lingering sense of injustice for Cooper. The documentary director asked Cooper to revisit the soccer field where the alleged harassment took place, prompting her to reflect on her past experiences. Cooper’s decision to speak up came after nearly a decade of silence.
During a Q&A session after the documentary’s premiere, Cooper expressed her initial reluctance to discuss the harassment publicly. She admitted to feeling nervous and scared about confronting the issue. The process of coming forward exposed her to the systemic difficulties women face when dealing with such situations.
Revisiting the university’s soccer field was a significant moment for Cooper, reigniting memories of vulnerability and powerlessness. She described feeling like an 18-year-old again, under the influence of someone who abused their power. This experience starkly contrasted with her public persona as the host of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast.
Cooper’s story highlights the pervasive issue of power dynamics and harassment that many women encounter. She shared how the experience transformed her life and stripped away the joy she once found in playing soccer. Despite her current success, Cooper emphasizes that she was just another woman affected by harassment.
The documentary “Call Her Alex” offers a platform for Cooper to share her truth and encourages other women to speak out against similar injustices. By bringing her story to light, Cooper hopes to challenge systems that are often stacked against victims of harassment. Her journey underscores the importance of addressing and rectifying such issues within institutions.
Through “Call Her Alex,” viewers gain insight into the complexities of dealing with harassment and the long-lasting impact it can have on an individual’s life. Cooper’s narrative serves as a reminder of the bravery required to confront past trauma and seek justice. The documentary is set to stream on Hulu starting June 10, offering an in-depth look at Cooper’s experiences.
Cooper’s revelations add to the ongoing conversation about harassment and the need for systemic change. Her story resonates with many who have faced similar situations, emphasizing the importance of support and accountability. As the documentary reaches a wider audience, it aims to inspire change and empower others to come forward.
In sharing her story, Cooper joins a chorus of voices demanding action and reform. Her experience sheds light on the challenges faced by those who dare to speak out against misconduct. By documenting her journey, Cooper contributes to a broader movement advocating for the rights and dignity of all individuals.
