The skateboarding world is rattled after Yasmin Benoit, British model, asexual activist, writer, and King’s College London researcher, came forward with serious allegations against former Zero Skateboards pro skater Dane Burman.
Benoit claims that Burman sent her sexually inappropriate messages when she was just 15.
The story blew up and it’s all over ShreddER top stories, spreading fast across social media and in the streets.
READ MORE: Dane Burman Accused of Sexually Messaging a Minor, Yasmin Benoit Claims
It even forced some big names to respond. Brother in Christ Jamie Thomas, one of the biggest names in skateboarding, publicly announced that Zero has parted ways with Burman, showing that this isn’t something the community can ignore.
READ MORE: Jamie Thomas Puts Faith First, Takes Action Cutting Ties w/ Dane Burman After Allegations
Before all of this, Burman had denied contacting any minors.
Then, after the allegations went public, he made another statement. He referenced himself in 2012, saying he’s not the same person anymore and that he plans to step back and focus on personal growth.
Burman Posted:
"Recent commentary has brought attention to decisions made earlier in my life. These matters date back to 2012 and do not reflect who I am today. While these references do not represent who I am today or the values I live by-personal growth is not static, and I recognize that it is an ongoing process that deserves focused attention. Effective immediately, I am stepping away from Zero for a period of focused personal work. I acknowledge that past chapters can affect others, and I approach this moment with care and respect for those experience. My focus now is on moving forward with integrity, clarity, and purpose."
But for many, his words didn’t feel like accountability.
Now that Burman and Zero have officially parted ways, Benoit has spoken out in detail.
In her own words, she wrote:
"When I was 15, I was groomed by a professional skateboarder named Dane Burman. I was a schoolgirl and fan. A good decade older than me, he formed a 'friendship' with me over the course of many months in a bid to solicit nude pictures from me, which I did not share. This is not an experience I ever thought I would talk about.
It has since been brought to my attention that I was not alone in my experience and that there has been more predatory behaviour towards teenage (often underage) girls and even a boy - the latter of which Dane has admitted to. Since learning this, I have felt the need to speak out, and journalist Robert Brink helped me do that.
Skateboarding is attracting more young girls than ever before, while also becoming a safe place for queer people. Those young people are vulnerable to men like Dane Burman, and they are vulnerable to those who have continued to enable, promote, protect and sponsor the work of such predators in skateboarding (cough Jamie Thomas cough).
To add insult to injury, Dane has also positioned himself as quite the 'ally' to the queer community, even collaborating with the likes of Orville Peck. Maybe that is who he has genuinely grown to be, but based on his dismissive statement, with zero acknowledgement of what he's actually done, and no matter he is in standing up for marginalised people.
Obviously, Dane didn't think I was going to say anything, another mistake. I'm not a scared kid anymore. I'm an accomplished woman who is not to be f**ed with. My words cannot be dismissed as simply being unflattering 'commentary' about a past blunder.
I hope this message comes as a warning to the skateboarding community, to young women, to the LGBTQIA+ community and to those in a position to call out predatory behaviour when they see it. The truth comes to light.
To those affected, I stand with you. To those who have come forward already with their stories, not just about Dane, but other predatory men in skateboarding, thank you."
Benoit’s words hit hard because they’re coming straight from her experience.
She’s calling out the culture that allowed someone like Burman to operate and warning the community that young people, especially girls and queer youth, are vulnerable to predators.
She’s also calling on people in positions of influence to recognize predatory behavior and take action.
This story isn’t just about one skateboarder.
It’s a warning that fame and influence in a community shouldn’t protect people from accountability.
Benoit is speaking out not only for herself but for everyone who has been hurt or silenced. She made sure her voice is heard and said that the skateboarding community, young fans, and allies all need to pay attention, protect the vulnerable, and stop enabling those who prey on them.
ShreddER Team Editorial on Reporting
This article reports on Dane Burman’s public statement and his departure from Zero Skateboards. It also covers allegations Yasmin Benoit made when she broke her silence, claiming she was allegedly groomed by Burman. These claims have not been proven, and no findings of guilt have been made. Readers should treat the allegations as unverified and consider them carefully.