Tay‑Leiha Clark alleges 'powerful organisation' tried to block publication of book about assaults by Curtis Scott

Tay‑Leiha Clark, an Australian long‑jumper who was assaulted by former NRL player Curtis Scott, has accused an unnamed “powerful organisation” of attempting to stop the publication of her memoir Through My Eyes, which details the abuse she says she suffered.

Clark said the organisation had sent a legal letter seeking to interfere with the book’s release and that one letter would not erase what she endured or her right to speak. Through My Eyes, she said, "contains discussions of physical abuse, domestic violence, partner violence, grief, mental illness and suicide." The book’s release was pushed back from Sept. 15 to Sept. 20, Clark said in an Instagram post.

News Corp publications, including the Daily Mail, reported this week that the National Rugby League approached publisher Simon & Schuster to obtain a copy of the book and to respond to any allegations about the handling of Clark’s complaints against Scott. The NRL declined to comment when contacted by the Daily Mail. Simon & Schuster did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the report said.

Scott, who played for the Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders, was convicted in 2020 of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and stalking or intimidating with the intention of causing fear or physical harm for actions during the breakdown of his relationship with Clark in 2018. Magistrate Daniel Covington found Scott had put his hand on Clark’s neck and "launched" her over a lounge and into a wall at her parents’ home in Sydney’s Sylvania suburb. In a separate phone call, the magistrate recorded Scott told Clark, "f*** you, I'm going to kill you," and used abusive language while also threatening to kill himself before driving his car into a tree.

Scott was sentenced to a 12‑month community corrections order and fined A$1,400. His NRL contract with the Storm was cancelled. He lost an appeal against his convictions in July 2023. During that appeal, Justice Alister Abadee said the pair’s relationship was "punctuated by emotional abuse ... born of jealousy," and described evidence given by the Storm's psychologist, Jacqueline Louder, at trial as "inherently weak." Louder was later sanctioned by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency for her actions after Clark contacted her for help.

Clark has framed her book as an account intended to give voice to survivors of domestic and partner violence. She told followers on social media that the legal approach by an unnamed organisation was an attempt "to stand in the way of my voice." She said she would not allow a single legal letter to erase her experience.

Publishers typically receive legal queries over books touching on sensitive or litigious matters, and organisations sometimes seek pre‑publication review if they believe their reputation or legal rights could be affected. The Daily Mail report said the NRL sought a copy of Clark’s manuscript and intended to rebut any claims of mishandling her complaints; the NRL did not respond to a request for comment for this article.

Clark’s decision to publish follows the criminal proceedings against Scott and his failed appeal. The case drew attention to the handling of athlete welfare in professional sport, including the role of club staff and health practitioners. The developments around the book come as sporting bodies face heightened scrutiny over how they respond to reports of domestic abuse and the support available to athletes who raise concerns.

Through My Eyes is due to go on sale on Sept. 20. Clark has said she will proceed with the publication despite the legal challenge reported this week. Representatives for Simon & Schuster and the NRL did not provide comment by the time of publication.