Mia Schem alleges she was drugged and raped by a well-known fitness influencer in March; suspect denies wrongdoing

Mia Schem, the 23-year-old former hostage who survived 54 days in Hamas captivity, has come forward with disturbing allegations that she was raped by a well-known Tel Aviv personal trainer in March. The accused—whose identity is shielded under a court gag order—is a high-profile figure on social media with celebrity clients, including, reportedly, a former prime minister.

Speaking to Israel’s Channel 12 in a preview of a televised interview set to air Saturday, Schem said: “In Hamas tunnels, with one hand injured, I still had hope. But now I find myself in darkness.” Her decision to waive anonymity was deliberate: “I’m not the one who should hide,” she declared.

The alleged incident occurred after Schem spent time socially with the trainer and another individual. Friends later found her disoriented at her home, with only fragmented memories of the night. Taken to the hospital, she was examined and found to have had recent sexual intercourse, of which she had no recollection.

Police opened a rape investigation in late March and arrested the suspect. His home was searched and his devices seized. Though released from custody, he remains under investigation. Authorities are reportedly examining whether he used a date-rape drug.

The accused has maintained his innocence, claiming Schem invited him to train her and that they had previously met at his studio. But reports in Israeli media suggest inconsistencies in his version of events and troubling behaviour during interrogation.

Ynet reported that he initially denied ever entering Schem’s bedroom but later admitted to doing so, claiming he wanted to confirm her address for the third guest that evening. However, investigators noted that Schem had already sent her address via text. During questioning, Schem asked the trainer not to look her in the eyes. He refused, prompting officers to intervene.

At one point during interrogation, Schem reportedly told him: “I was groggy for three days because of you.” Medical reports, according to sources close to the investigation, noted five signs consistent with sexual assault—three visible on her body and two identified through medical tests.

The accused reportedly became emotional during police interviews. “There was no sexual advance, I swear on my life,” he is said to have pleaded. “I have a family, a wife, and a daughter who are important to me. I just want this nightmare to end.” He insisted repeatedly: “I’m a good person.”

A relative of the trainer also spoke to Channel 12, claiming the allegations were false and that the trainer only wanted to help Schem. “Everything is a lie,” the relative said. “He tried to assist her. There was no sexual contact.”

This case has gripped the Israeli public, especially given Schem’s status as one of the best-known hostages released in the November 2023 deal with Hamas. She was taken from the Nova music festival during the group’s brutal October 7 attack and emerged as a symbol of survival after her 55-day ordeal.

The upcoming Channel 12 interview is expected to cast further light on Schem’s decision to speak out publicly, as well as the emotional toll of what she describes as a second trauma.

Meanwhile, police continue their investigation, and prosecutors have not yet decided whether to bring charges. The trainer remains under a strict gag order while the case progresses.