Who is Brenda Tracy? More about Mel Tucker's alleged sexual harassment victim

Two years ago, Michigan State coach Mel Tucker and activist Brenda Tracy joined forces to fight against sexual violence in sports. In a shocking turn of events, Tracy has accused Tucker of sexual misconduct, leading to a Title IX investigation.

Tracy's story is one of resilience and advocacy. Her life took a traumatic turn in 1998 when she was gang raped by four college football athletes. She has since dedicated her life to fighting sexual violence.

Who is Brenda Tracy?

Brenda Tracy is an advocate for ending sexual and interpersonal violence. She is a public speaker who has spoken about her experiences as a rape victim. Tracy also encourages change through her work, which initially got her a position at MSU in 2021.

Tracy, a registered nurse, has a beautiful quote on her website that reads:

"To the men in this room, I'm not here because I think you're the problem. I'm here because I know you're the solution."

According to her website, despite collecting substantial evidence, including confessions from her attackers, the District Attorney declined to prosecute her case. Her website also claims she was never informed of her victims' rights, and that evidence was destroyed prematurely.

In 2014, she mustered the courage to share her story publicly and started on her journey to address the systematic shortcomings in the justice system.

She also founded the non-profit organization "Set The Expectation" to empower men to become the voices of change in their communities. According to her website, she also spends time visiting audiences all over the country to promote her fight to end sexual violence.

Exploring the allegations put forth by Brenda Tracy against Mel Tucker

Brenda Tracy (L) and Michigan State HC Mel Tucker (R)

According to Tracy's complaint, Tucker made several sexual remarks about her and masturbated without consent during a phone call in 2022.

“The idea that someone could know me and say they understand my trauma but then re-inflict that trauma on me is so disgusting to me, it’s hard for me to even wrap my mind around it, It’s like he sought me out just to betray me,” she said.

In response to the complaint, Michigan State took a proactive step by appointing an external Title IX attorney to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

This investigation concluded in July, and a formal hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 5 and 6.

Tucker acknowledged the call, but insisted the two of them had "consensual phone sex."