A Fijian nightclub visited by Virgin Australia flight crew before one of them was allegedly raped and another allegedly assaulted has said it is the victim of “negative portrayal”.
Fiji’s deputy prime minister also said he is concerned about the impact the alleged incident will have on the resort island’s reputation.
The woman and man were allegedly attacked in the resort town of Nadi, on the resort island’s picturesque west coast, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The 21-year-old Melbourne woman became separated from the rest of her crew during a night out at Martintar, a popular entertainment district in Nadi.
The male crew member was allegedly assaulted and received facial injuries in a separate incident after New Year’s celebrations.
A man was charged with rape and sexual assault of the woman on Saturday and will face Nadi Magistrates Court on Monday.
In a social media post on Sunday, the nightclub said it is “important to clarify that this incident did not take place inside Bar One, nor in the immediate vicinity of our establishment.”
“Virgin Airlines crew are regular customers of Bar One and we have never experienced similar incidents in the past,” the post said.
“That’s why it’s disheartening that our establishment is being portrayed negatively due to circumstances not directly related to our bar.”
A Fiji nightclub (pictured) attended by Virgin Australia flight crew members before one was allegedly raped and another allegedly assaulted has said it is the victim of “negative portrayal”.
Bar One’s Facebook post also asked “loyal customers” to share their statement to “encourage others to also inform the media.”
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka expressed solidarity with the alleged victims earlier this week.
He said a suspect “known to police” had been questioned in connection with both encounters.
‘Our thoughts and concerns are with (the crew members) and for their health and well-being. These alleged incidents are regrettable,” said Mr Gavoka.
“The crew, who are in good health, are being accommodated at a local hotel which is the designated accommodation for the crew during stopovers.”
The Virgin crew were staying at the Tanoa Hotel Nadi when the incident occurred.
Gavoka, who is also tourism minister, said he was concerned the incidents could damage the island nation’s reputation as a holiday destination.
‘Unfortunately, incidents like this can happen anywhere and Fiji is not immune. “We remind tourists to exercise caution in nightclub areas and late at night,” he said.
The Virgin crew were staying at the Tanoa Hotel Nadi (pictured) when the incident occurred.
The alleged incidents came just weeks after Fiji attracted negative headlines around the world when seven tourists, including four Australians, were hospitalized after drinking pina coladas at a bar at the luxury Warwick Resort last month.
Four Australian women aged between 18 and 56 ended up in critical condition in hospital after consuming the drinks at the five-star resort.
They suffered nausea, vomiting and neurological symptoms, with one victim’s friend telling Daily Mail Australia she was “frothing at the mouth” and having seizures.
Gavoka said a toxicology report had ruled out the cocktails and the source of the poisoning remains a mystery.
“I can confirm that no illicit substances or methanol were found in the ingredients or liquor samples,” he said.
‘All affected tourists and locals have already been discharged and have fully recovered. This is a significant relief.”
Virgin crew members have since left Fiji.