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In a complaint filed on Monday 18 November at the Saint-Etienne prosecutor’s office, a technician accuses the artist of sexual violence which allegedly occurred after his concert at the Zénith in December 2023.
A new complaint of sexual violence was filed on Monday 18 November in Saint-Etienne (Loire) against the singer Slimane, who is already the subject of an investigation following allegations of sexual harassment, the city’s prosecutor’s office reported on Tuesday 19 November. A preliminary investigation for “sexual violence and attempted sexual violence” was immediately opened, entrusted to the Loire Interdepartmental Judicial Police Service. The first complaint was filed at the end of October and a first preliminary investigation was opened on 7 November. This second accusation concerns events that presumably occurred on the same evening, the night between 17 and 18 December 2023, after Slimane’s concert at the Zénith in Saint-Etienne.
This second complaint “it was deposited in the name of a technician of the show organized on 17 December at the Zénith in Saint-Etienne”stated the applicant’s lawyer, Anne-Sophie Charrieras, confirming the information from the newspaper the Parisian. The facts alleged against the artist awarded with the NRJ Awards 2024 happened “at the end of the concert, in the presence of some witnesses whose list is attached to the complaint”, and who, according to some, filmed the scene, according to the lawyer. “Slimane’s brother intervened to put an end to the sexual violence and ask witnesses to delete the recordings made with their smartphones” he assures, without providing details.
Anne-Sophie Charrieras also represents another tour technician, who on October 28 filed a sexual harassment complaint against the singer, claiming to have received pornographic messages and videos during the same evening. The first complainant was heard on Monday by the judicial police, as part of the preliminary investigation opened by the Saint-Etienne prosecutor’s office after the presentation of his complaint. Charrieras indicates that its customers “I don’t want to be advertised” et “They consider themselves informers so that these facts can be stopped by Slimane.”
The 35-year-old artist is on tour for him Cupid’s ride. In May he took fourth place at Eurovision with his song My love. Revealed by telehook The Voice, on TF1, won in 2016, he was at the top, during his duo with the singer Vitaa, in the album sales chart in France in 2020 with their work Cons. Their title It goes, it comes it allowed them to win a Victoire de la Musique that year in the “original song” category. On November 1, he won the trophy for French-language male artist at the 2024 NRJ Music Awards.
How can organizations create a supportive environment for victims of sexual violence?
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news, where we dive deep into the most pressing issues of our times. Today, we’re discussing a very sensitive yet crucial topic: allegations of sexual violence. With us is Dr. Clara Bouchard, a leading expert in sexual violence prevention and a consultant for organizations working towards safer environments in the arts. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Bouchard.
Dr. Bouchard: Thank you for having me. It’s important to address these issues openly and constructively.
Interviewer: Recently, allegations surfaced against the artist Slimane, with a second complaint of sexual violence being lodged after his concert in December. This follows a previous accusation that led to a preliminary investigation. What do you believe the implications of such allegations are for the entertainment industry?
Dr. Bouchard: These allegations highlight a critical problem that has long been overlooked in the entertainment sector—power dynamics and the culture of silence. When figures of influence, like Slimane, are accused, it encourages a wider conversation about accountability. It’s an opportunity for the industry to reflect on its structures and how it handles such serious allegations.
Interviewer: You mentioned accountability. How can the industry improve its response to sexual violence allegations?
Dr. Bouchard: There are several steps that can be taken. Firstly, institutions must implement clear policies for handling allegations securely and sensitively. Training staff and artists on consent and bystander intervention is also essential. Moreover, providing a support system for victims can encourage reporting rather than silence, fostering a culture of safety.
Interviewer: Given the nature of these allegations and the scrutiny that public figures face, how can we ensure that the process respects both the accusers and the accused?
Dr. Bouchard: That is indeed a challenging balance to strike. A fair process requires thorough investigations that respect the rights of all parties involved. It’s essential for those who report such incidents to feel safe and supported. Concurrently, the accused must also have access to fair representation and a chance to defend themselves. High-profile cases can lead to public judgments before the facts are known, which is detrimental to justice.
Interviewer: As these cases attract media attention, how does public perception influence the judicial process, and what should be our approach towards media reporting in such sensitive situations?
Dr. Bouchard: Media plays a powerful role in shaping public perception. Responsible reporting is crucial; sensationalism can cause more harm than good. It’s important for journalists to report facts rather than assumptions and to refrain from influencing public opinion before all the evidence is presented. Ethical journalism should aim to inform and educate, rather than evoke outrage.
Interviewer: what message do you have for those affected by such situations—whether they are victims or potential witnesses?
Dr. Bouchard: To victims, I want to emphasize that you are not alone; help and support are available, and coming forward can be a vital step towards healing. For witnesses, it’s crucial to speak up. Silence often perpetuates the cycle of violence, and every small action counts towards fostering a safer environment. Remember, support systems exist; reaching out can make a significant difference.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Bouchard, for your insights today. These discussions are imperative for creating a safer world for everyone, particularly in environments that should promote creativity and expression without fear.
Dr. Bouchard: Thank you for bringing attention to these important issues. It’s a long fight, but every conversation helps pave the way for change.