Two members of USA Fencing’s Board of Directors have filed a lawsuit against six of their fellow board members, including chair Damien Lehfeldt, accusing him of making false and misleading statements during a recent congressional hearing on transgender athletes. The lawsuit could have sweeping consequences for the organization’s future, including its recognition as a national governing body (NGB) for the Olympic Games.
Filed by Andrey Geva and Abdel Salem, both longtime figures in the sport, the lawsuit seeks Lehfeldt’s removal as chair and cites serious concerns raised during the May 7 Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) hearing titled “Unfair Play: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.”
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- 3 Teen Sentenced to 35 Years for Killing Mom’s Boyfriend Over Explicit Texts
- 4 Allegations Against Lehfeldt
- 5 Fallout from the Turner Protest
- 6 Board Members Speak Out
- 7 Political Tensions and Heated Exchanges
- 8 USA Fencing’s Response
- 9 What’s Next?
Allegations Against Lehfeldt
According to the lawsuit, Lehfeldt falsely claimed that Geva had resigned from the board and made “untruthful and misleading” remarks during the DOGE hearing. The plaintiffs argue that Lehfeldt’s behavior has placed USA Fencing at risk of losing its NGB status, which could jeopardize Team USA’s participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.
“His lies have alienated thousands of members in the fencing community who have provided more than 90% of USFA’s revenues,” the lawsuit states.
Lehfeldt, who was subpoenaed to testify, also faced intense scrutiny over a now-infamous Instagram post in which he flippantly responded “Yeah” when asked if he was okay with putting female fencers at a disadvantage. He later admitted during the hearing that the post lacked the nuance the issue required.
In another controversial moment, Lehfeldt confessed to falsifying an email from a fictitious fencing mother named “Dorothy,” calling members who agreed with her “grand wizards” of the KKK. He later claimed it was a “poor attempt at humor.”
Fallout from the Turner Protest
The May 7 hearing followed a viral protest by Stephanie Turner, a female fencer who took a knee during a match against a transgender opponent. USA Fencing punished Turner with a black card, a decision that triggered national outrage and congressional interest.
Turner’s protest ignited debate around gender eligibility in women’s sports, and her case became a flashpoint for critics of USA Fencing’s policies. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Turner said,
“I’d like to see some people resign… especially those who’ve made harassing comments meant to humiliate concerned women, mothers, and daughters.”
Board Members Speak Out
Plaintiff Andrey Geva—former U.S. Women’s Épée Coach at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics—claimed he had tried to speak at the hearing but received threats intended to intimidate and silence him. He ultimately submitted a letter to Sen. Ted Cruz outlining his views on biological males competing in women’s fencing.
Geva alleges that after the letter was referenced in the hearing by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, he was blamed by fellow board members and targeted for removal.
Abdel Salem, also a plaintiff, represented Egypt in the 1984 Olympics and served as head coach at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Both men now say they’re fighting to defend transparency and integrity in the sport’s governance.
Political Tensions and Heated Exchanges
The DOGE hearing was rife with political theater. At one point, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) told Lehfeldt,
“Real men protect women. You’re not one.”
She also asked him to apologize to Turner for the punishment she received. Lehfeldt refused, defending the black card as standard enforcement of competition policy.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) also pressed Lehfeldt about whether he’d allow his daughter to fence against a man. Lehfeldt answered that he would, as long as the athlete met hormonal and policy guidelines.
USA Fencing’s Response
In a statement to Fox News Digital, USA Fencing said:
“USA Fencing proudly serves its members — athletes, coaches, referees, and clubs — with transparency and integrity. This derivative lawsuit misrepresents our organization, and we will vigorously defend against it.”
The organization emphasized its commitment to growing fencing nationwide and supporting the Olympic and Paralympic values, though it declined to discuss specifics due to ongoing litigation.
What’s Next?
The lawsuit and ongoing congressional scrutiny represent a major crisis for USA Fencing, coming amid a national debate on fairness in women’s sports. With Olympic qualification and leadership credibility on the line, the case could set a precedent for how sports organizations handle the complex intersection of gender identity, athlete rights, and governance accountability.
