A series of inappropriate texts and emails uncovered the ‘grooming-like behavior’ of a school instructor towards Australian Victoria’s Secret model Bridget Malcolm when she was his pupil.
Aurelio ‘Bobby’ Gallo was a 53-year-old high school music instructor at the famous all-female Methodist Ladies’ College in Perth.
Between 2007 and 2008, as well as after her graduation at the end of the year, Ms. Malcolm received emails, texts, and phone calls from her teacher.
The letters revealed that Gallo wanted topless images from Ms. Malcolm when she graduated from high school, gifted her a silver charm, and signed his correspondence with the phrase “love always.”
The Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia suspended Gallo’s teaching license in August after he was judged to have engaged in “severe misconduct.”
A teacher was punished for three years after sending inappropriate texts and emails to a student (pictured, Bridget Malcolm) and requesting photos of herself.
Aurelio ‘Bobby’ Gallo, age 53, was a high school music instructor who instructed Bridget Malcolm at the exclusive all-female Methodist Ladies’ College in Perth.
Examine some of the eerie messages.
In an email written on February 2, 2009, Gallo requested images and complained that he had not gotten any “topless” shots.
He said, “Glad to hear that you are being cared for and also becoming conscious of people.”
‘Regrettably, you do not always perceive what is necessary.
‘The second-hand accomodation news came from [name of another teacher], who proceeded to tell me that she chatted to you for an hour and informed me of the topless images that you definitely did not send me!!! Why not may I ask! ‘
A day later, Gallo wrote another email referencing the unique charm he had given her.
“Remember, when the going gets tough, to hang on to the particular charm I gave you and to think of all the special things that bring you joy – I know it will give you strength,” he wrote.
In March of last year, the board received an email regarding Gallo’s inappropriate behavior, which was then probed.
In a document describing its decision to suspend Gallo’s license, the board ruled that the music instructor had participated in “grooming-like behavior.”
The Board discovered that the duo had first communicated via email on school-related matters, but the discourse shifted over time.
On July 14, 2007, Gallo wrote an email from his personal account requesting the student’s number.
In the same month, he sent two more emails after Ms. Malcolm and a group of kids unexpectedly showed up at his home during the school holidays.
He wrote, “By the way, don’t worry, I didn’t mind the stalking the other day.”
“Tomorrow, I will attempt to resolve an issue involving your [instrument]. If you wish, I will keep you updated on my progress.
“Will you be visiting during the holidays!! HA HA’
Gallo concluded an additional email with the sign-off “love” and mentioned it again in a separate email sent on December 19, 2007.
Bridget Malcolm, 30, a former Victoria’s Secret model, attended the elite all-girls Methodist Ladies’ College in Perth, where she was taught by Bobby Gallo, 53, who has since lost his teaching license.
In an emotional video, Malcolm revealed she was the student Gallo was found to have committed “severe misconduct” against.
He wrote, “I hope you and your family are enjoying a well-deserved rest.” “I wish you a safe and holy Christmas and a prosperous new year.”
In addition, thank you for the birthday greeting – NOT. Regards, Mr. Gallo – sorry, I meant Mr. Gallo.’
After Ms. Malcolm’s graduation, Gallo continued to email her, proposing a meeting when she returned to Perth after moving abroad.
Ms. Malcolm became a model for Victoria’s Secret in 2015 and 2016 as well as for Ralph Lauren and Stella McCartney.
In an email written on February 2, 2009, Gallo requested images and complained that he had not gotten any “topless” shots.
He said, “Glad to hear that you are being cared for and also becoming conscious of people.”
The model got an outpouring of praise on social media for her ‘courage and bravery,’ and she stated that she would talk further on the subject at a later date.
Malcolm was a teen at Perth’s Methodist Ladies’ College (above) when Gallo developed their friendship.
‘Regrettably, you do not always perceive what is necessary.
‘The second-hand accomodation news came from [name of another teacher], who proceeded to tell me that she chatted to you for an hour and informed me of the topless images that you definitely did not send me!!! Why not may I ask! ‘
A day later, Gallo wrote another email referencing the unique charm he had given her.
“Remember, when the going gets tough, to hang on to the particular charm I gave you and to think of all the special things that bring you joy – I know it will give you strength,” he wrote.
In another email written in Italian by Gallo in March, the translated letter revealed that he told Malcolm that he sometimes finds it difficult to express himself.
The board determined that Gallo’s actions constitute “severe misconduct” that renders him ineligible to be a registered instructor.
Additionally, it was determined that he “violated professional boundaries in his inappropriate dealings with the student.”
Gallo acknowledged the’serious wrongdoing’ and acknowledged that it was ‘unacceptable.’
The board noted that he denied grooming Ms. Malcolm and exhibited “insight and regret” regarding his behavior.
Malcolm walked the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2015 and 2016.
The teacher sent the model SMS and emails during her senior year of high school and after she graduated.
The document stated, “The teacher’s acts were out of character and do not reflect his performance or conduct throughout his tenure.”
Dr. Marie Perry, the school’s principal, stated that the school learned of the ‘very disturbing’ report in March of last year.
Dr. Perry stated that Ms. Malcolm has received help and that the inappropriate behavior was unknown until the complaint was filed.
She told WA Today, “This is a highly disturbing circumstance, and the institution regrets that one of its students was subjected to such behavior by a former member of the college staff.”
The Western Australia Teacher Registration Board elected not to reveal the identification of the student at the center of the issue.
Ms. Malcolm revealed her identity as the student in an emotional Instagram video on Saturday.
She stated, “I’ve gone back and forth on whether or not to waive my right to anonymity because I was a kid at the time.”
“But you are aware that I am no longer a minor.
I’m still in shock, I’m still digesting, and I’ve certainly experienced a wide range of emotions today.
Ms. Malcolm got an outpouring of support on social media for her ‘courage and bravery’; the model stated that she would talk further on the subject at a later date.
The model had an upsetting day upon discovering her high school music teacher’s teaching license had been suspended.
The 30-year-old had received “inappropriate” email and text communications from the teacher.
14-year-old Malcolm, who is now an advocate for mental health, was discovered by modeling scouts on the streets of Perth.