Hairstylist on Virgin Voyages Ship Charged With Abusive Sexual Contact

Pranit Pawar, a 26-year-old Indian citizen employed as a hairstylist and barber on the Virgin Voyages ship Brilliant Lady, was charged with two counts of abusive sexual contact aboard a cruise ship, New York Post reported. The charges relate to alleged assaults on two passengers identified as V1 and V2 on June 26 while the vessel was on an Alaskan cruise, according to the US Attorney’s Office.

Pawar allegedly lured passengers from the main salon into a secluded barbershop room.

He is accused of offering V1 a massage, moving his hands under her shirt and fondling her for roughly 10 minutes. Pawar allegedly targeted V2 later the same day after previously promising her a complimentary massage. He is accused of sliding his hands under her bra under the pretext of focusing on underarm pressure points.

When he asked to continue, V2 refused and fled, the complaint states. Pawar allegedly locked the door during at least one of the incidents. The day after the incidents, Pawar approached V2’s daughter to inquire about her relationship status.

He told agents the massages were for therapeutic reasons but later admitted to the unwanted contact and stated he totally regrets his actions, New York Post reported. Each count carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison. The case is being handled in federal court because the assaults occurred within special maritime territorial jurisdiction.

Virgin Voyages issued a statement calling the allegations a profound violation of the trust and standards expected of its crew.