Stephanie Aimee Kalms, a well-known fitness influencer with a significant social media following, has faced significant repercussions following her involvement in a steroid supply scandal. During a raid on her home last September, authorities discovered an assortment of performance-enhancing steroids, including clenbuterol, oxandrolone, oxymetholone, and testosterone. Investigations revealed that Kalms had been supplying these drugs to clients, some of whom were professional bodybuilders, as part of her fitness coaching business.
In court, Kalms pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to supplying and possessing dangerous drugs. The court heard that she had been involved in the supply chain for over 11 months, a period that coincided with the disruption of steroid supplies due to COVID-19 shutdowns. Notably, the court acknowledged that Kalms was not motivated by financial gain.
The consequences of Kalms’s actions have been severe. Her bail conditions, which required her to surrender her passport, have prevented her from traveling overseas for business and competitions. This has resulted in an estimated $100,000 loss of income, as her attorney described as ‘crippling financial costs.’
In addition to the financial impact, Kalms has also faced significant reputational damage. The publicity surrounding the charges has negatively affected her business, leading to the loss of clients and sponsorships. Her permanent residency in the UAE has also lapsed.
While acknowledging the seriousness of supplying steroids, the judge noted that Kalms’s lack of profit motive was a ‘very important factor’ in the sentencing decision. Instead of a criminal conviction, which would have further hindered her ability to travel internationally for work, she received a $10,000 fine and 100 hours of community service. She was also placed on probation for 12 months, with a breach potentially resulting in a 12-month jail sentence. The fine must be paid within six months, with the possibility of three months in prison if she is unable to do so.
