Disturbing video shows Southern California student assaulted in alleged hazing incident

A disturbing video shows a Southern California student being physically and sexually assaulted during an alleged hazing incident.

The victim, who joined the Upland High School baseball team, was subjected to constant assaults as well as bullying and harassment, the teen's family said.

“It’s heartbreaking and disturbing,” said Priscilla Villanueva, the victim’s mother.

An assault targeting the boy in the locker room on February 14 was filmed on a cell phone.

The boy is seen trapped by a teammate. As he struggled to free himself, other players surrounded him, pulled his pants and eventually sexually assaulted him, the boy's mother said.

“Another student or teammate takes a PVC pipe and inserts it into his lower area while another student films his face while he gets headshot,” Villanueva said. “Then he gets knocked to the ground and they continue to choke him.”

Members of the university baseball team allegedly subjected younger students to hazing rituals. They often recorded the assaults and sent the videos to a group chat, according to the victim's family.

The family also claims the team's coach turned a blind eye to hazing rituals and that school administrators failed to protect students.

Villanueva said her son is too eager to return to campus and is being homeschooled for the time being. She remembers noticing a personality change in her son, but she didn't realize it was due to the bullying.

“He’s really an outgoing kid, very goofy and funny and that slowly changed,” Villanueva said. “I make a ruckus and I mess around, but it starts and then it goes too far and that's the problem.”

Following the incident, the family filed a lawsuit against the Upland Unified School District seeking more than $3 million in damages.

Since the assault video surfaced, the family's attorney said they have received calls from other students who also allegedly experienced hazing and bullying on campus. District officials said an internal and external review of the incident will be conducted.

A statement from the Upland Unified School District Superintendent's Office says:

“With an unwavering commitment to the safety of our students, our district leaders are taking this situation very seriously. The district has launched an internal review of the alleged incident involving physical misconduct by players on the UHS varsity baseball team. An experienced outside investigator interviewed players, coaches and administrators to determine exactly what happened. The family of the alleged victim has filed a financial claim with the prefecture. We are careful not to jeopardize the confidentiality of the ongoing investigation. We must respect the privacy and due process rights of everyone involved. We will therefore not discuss further details at this time. The district will continue to take appropriate disciplinary action if necessary.

Footage of the incident can be seen in the video player above.