A complaint of sexual violence was filed in Saint-Etienne on Monday (November 18) against singer Slimane, who is already the subject of an investigation following allegations of sexual harassment, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported on Tuesday. This second complaint “was filed in the name of a technician of the show organized on December 17th [2023] at the zenith of Saint-Etienne »the plaintiff’s lawyer, Anne-Sophie Charrieras, specified and confirmed news from the newspaper The Parisian.
The acts alleged against the artist occurred “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 using their smartphones”he assures, without providing details.
Mr. Charrieras also represents another tour engineer who filed a sexual harassment complaint against the singer on October 28, claiming to have received pornographic messages and videos during the same evening.
Fourth place at Eurovision
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 following his complaint.
Me Charrieras explains that its customers “I don’t want to be advertised” et “consider yourself informers so that these facts stop on Slimane’s part”.
Slimane, 35, is on tour for his “Cupid tour.” In May he took fourth place at Eurovision with his song My love.
Revealed by the talent show “The Voice”, on TF1, won in 2016, he was at the top, during his duet with the singer Vitaa, in the album sales chart in France in 2020 with their work Against. 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 2, he won the French Language Male Artist trophy for the 2024 NRJ Music Awards.
What are the potential legal defenses Slimane could use against the allegations of sexual violence and harassment?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert on Recent Allegations Against Slimane
Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We’ve seen serious allegations filed against singer Slimane regarding sexual violence and harassment. Can you give us an overview of the legal implications of such accusations?
Expert: Thank you for having me. The situation surrounding Slimane is quite complex. Allegations of sexual violence and harassment are taken very seriously under French law. The two complaints – one for sexual harassment and a newer one for sexual violence – can lead to different legal consequences and responses from authorities.
Editor: Indeed, the two allegations are particularly concerning. The second complaint reportedly involves incidents that occurred at the end of a concert, with witnesses allegedly taking video. How does the presence of witnesses and potential recordings affect the legal case?
Expert: Witnesses play a crucial role in such cases. Their accounts can provide corroborative evidence that strengthens the plaintiff’s claim. In this instance, if individuals filmed the incident, it could serve as critical evidence. The fact that Slimane’s brother is said to have intervened raises questions about the incident, as it suggests that others were aware something was wrong. This could implicate them as witnesses as well.
Editor: I see. The lawyer representing the plaintiff mentioned that the complaint includes an appeal for the deletion of recordings. How does that fit into the legal considerations?
Expert: Requesting the deletion of recordings can complicate matters. It might suggest that there is concern about how the evidence was being handled. However, under French law, it’s important for such evidence to be preserved, as it could be relevant for a thorough investigation. If the recordings exist, they can be key in verifying the claims made by the plaintiff.
Editor: The first complaint involves claims of receiving pornographic messages and videos. How does this set the tone for the subsequent allegations?
Expert: The first complaint indicates a pattern of inappropriate behavior, which may influence how both the public and authorities view the subsequent allegations. It’s not uncommon for multiple accusations to surface against individuals allegedly involved in such misconduct. Each new claim can lend credence to previous allegations, as they may represent a behavioral pattern.
Editor: Additionally, you mentioned the severity of accusations like these under French law. What kind of penalties could Slimane face if found guilty?
Expert: The penalties for sexual violence and harassment can be quite severe. Sexual violence can lead to significant prison time, while harassment may result in fines and lesser sentences. Should Slimane be convicted, it would severely impact not only his career but also his personal life.
Editor: these cases often attract media attention. How should the media balance reporting on such allegations with the fairness owed to the accused?
Expert: It’s crucial that the media adhere to journalistic ethics, which include not presuming guilt before the legal process runs its course. While it’s important to report on allegations, the coverage should respect the rights of individuals involved, ensuring that both the accuser and the accused are treated with dignity and that the presumption of innocence is upheld until proven otherwise.
Editor: Thank you for these insights. The consequences of such allegations are profound, and it’s essential to navigate them with care and responsibility. We appreciate you sharing your expertise on this sensitive matter.
Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I hope for a fair and thorough resolution to the situation.