Local gym defending SA predator coach :(

GoobU2 did a video on him, OTF New Haven shuts off social media comments and reviews

Hi everyone I'm looking for advice on a difficult situation I'm dealing with at a gym here in New Haven.

I'm a Yale undergrad student and recently joined a gym that exclusively offers group classes, which I have been LOVING! Unfortunately, I discovered that one of the coaches that teaches majority of the classes that work with my school schedule allegedly has a criminal record for sexual assault involving a minor, which happened at a different gym nearby. This is easily accessible information if you google his first and last name.

A lot of members, myself included, feel uneasy about this coach, especially given the nature of his background, and the way he approaches and speaks to women in class and online. Multiple women I know from the gym who are in my same academic program as well have expresssed discomfort, and one woman from a Facebook group even showed me messages he sent on a dating app. Several of us have tried bringing our concerns to gym management, but they told us they can't do anything because this coach is a connection of the franchise owners. As a result, it feels like our concerns are just being brushed aside. The franchise owner will defend this coach to the grave, as they’re family friends… nepotism at its finest.

I really enjoy the classes otherwise, but it's hard to feel safe and comfortable in that environment. I'm torn about what to do next. Has anyone else been in a similar situation or have advice on handling this? I'm sorry if this has been brought up before but I couldn't find much on it!

@edit this is not my home studio so I’m not paying them directly