A 52-year-old British mother’s dream vacation in Tunisia turned into a nightmare when a parasailing ride allegedly took a disturbing turn that left her shaken, frightened, and feeling violated. Michelle Wilson, from England, was enjoying a holiday in the coastal town of Sousse with her three children and a friend when she says she was sexually assaulted mid-air by the parasailing instructor who was strapped directly behind her during the activity.
Wilson shared her story, first reported by The Sun, explaining that what was supposed to be a thrilling, bucket-list experience became a moment of fear and helplessness that no tourist should ever endure. She had planned to parasail alongside her friend, but on the day of the activity, the operator informed them that the wind was too strong for solo rides, meaning each participant needed to be paired with an experienced staff member. Her friend went first and returned saying it had been a great experience, but for Wilson, the outcome was entirely different. As soon as they were airborne, Wilson says she felt uneasy. She expected the close physical contact required for safety, but then noticed the instructor pulling at the back of her bikini bottoms, allegedly under the guise of adjusting the harness, which she described as invasive.
“He must have been tightening the harness to bring me closer to him,” she told The Sun. Things escalated when she claims the man straddled her with his legs, placed one hand on the parachute straps, and the other on her leg, groping her while moving back and forth against her body and speaking to her in Arabic. Already nervous about parasailing, being trapped high above the sea with no way to escape made her panic grow. “I felt violated and dirty and was scared,” she said, adding that she tried arching her back to get away from him but could do nothing. Wilson noted that the instructor appeared quite young, possibly around 20 years old, which made his behavior even more unsettling.
Once they landed, she broke down in tears and immediately reported the incident to the water sports center’s management before going to the local police station to file a formal complaint. Her allegations have sparked intense reactions online, with many expressing outrage and sympathy. One social media user called the alleged assault “horrifying” and “traumatic,” while others shockingly engaged in victim-blaming, suggesting her clothing choice or participation in an activity involving close contact with a stranger made her partly responsible.
“What did you expect?” one commenter wrote, while another added, “If you wear a bikini and strap yourself to a strange man, this is bound to happen.” Many people pushed back against these remarks, calling them harmful and pointing out that such attitudes normalize inappropriate behavior. One person responded, “This is exactly why some men think it’s okay to violate women—because people defend them or turn it into a joke. Her clothing doesn’t give anyone permission to touch her.” In some corners of the internet, the seriousness of her claims was undermined with irrelevant pop culture jokes, but Wilson stood firm, stating, “This wasn’t flirtation or teasing.
This was a sexual assault.” According to The Sun, she believes the instructor may have since been arrested. She has received support from her travel insurance company and the UK Foreign Office. The trip, costing her around £6,000 (about $8,000) and booked through easyJet Holidays, has been overshadowed by the incident. An airline spokesperson said, “The safety and wellbeing of our customers is a top priority, and we are continuing to support Ms. Wilson. We’re also working closely with our hotel partner to investigate the incident.”
Sexual assault while traveling is more common than many realize, and many cases go unreported. A 2024 study by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland found that about 7% of reported sexual violence cases involved incidents during international travel, often perpetrated by strangers or recent acquaintances, with more than half occurring in European countries, though North Africa was also noted. The UK government urges victims of sexual assault abroad to remember that it is never their fault and to seek help immediately, stating, “Rape and sexual assault are always wrong—no matter who commits them or where it happens. These acts can be traumatic and affect you emotionally and physically.
Do not hesitate to seek help.” Rape Crisis England & Wales advises victims to get to a safe location if possible, and if not in immediate danger, to contact the nearest British embassy or consulate, where support services are available. For Wilson, speaking out is a way to warn others and encourage survivors to come forward. Her story is a stark reminder that even moments intended for joy and adventure can turn dangerous, and that safety during travel should never be taken for granted.
