The former Star Academy choreographer accuses Bruno Vandelli of raping him when he was a minor. This past Monday, November 4, it was with plenty of emotion that he spoke to Faustine Bollaert, on France 2, in It begins today.
screenshot It starts today / France 2
With his exceptional talent and keen sense of the big point, Yanis Marshall quickly became one of the significant figures of the strong return of Academy of the starsin 2020. Due to the revival of the TF1 telecast it was possible to combine a touch of nostalgia with a certain freshness to attract new viewers while bringing back the old ones. In this context, the choice of this bold choreographer should be named as dance teacher in Dammarie-les-Lys was more than a successful bet! However, after this season that Anisha won, Kamel Ouali’s successor did not come back for the 11th edition. He was replaced by Malika Benjelloun, who is still working in season 12 which is currently being broadcast on TF1.
Yanis Marshall’s testimony with emotions in It starts today
Yanis Marshall, for his part, did a shock notification in January 2024 on his Instagram account. “Several years have passed since the events of which I was a victim, at the age of 14, haunted me, destroyed me and caused me great distress.“, he wrote. The dancer file a complaint against Bruno Vandelli, famous choreographer and member of the jury of Conradh na Gaeilge Pop stars in the year 2022. He accuses the former teacher of rape of a minor. As the case is not over, Bruno Vandelli is presumed innocent for now. This Monday, November 4, Yanis Marshall was careful not to pronounce his name as he testified about his painful story in It starts todayon France 2 .
The choreographer was very impressed to see his name associated with that of his attacker
In front of Faustine Bollaert, Yanis Marshall told everything chronologically. The way the encounter started, the first time he was raped, the impact it had and this long work that made him decide to speak out. “I was on the Star Academy, career-wise things were going pretty well for me, but I was still not satisfied. What is going on? In fact, I never will. I’m on the show where I wanted to be (…) I’ve worked with Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and I’m still ruining my face, trying to die and not happy“, evidence of the one who drowned in alcohol.
Today, he is better, although he regrets that his name is associated with that of his attacker, whether on the Internet or when people approach him. “This is killing me“, he said, starting to cry.”I have worked all my life to have the career I have, all my life I grew up in public housing, I live very well today, I am respected in the world of dance… So we can say what we want, but when we speak, we…“A sentence he could not finish, overcome by emotion, but which bears witness to it the difficulty of speaking a poem about sexual assault.
Time.news Interview with Yanis Marshall: A Courageous Stand Against Abuse
Editor (E): Good day, Yanis. Thank you for joining us today. Your recent revelations have sparked considerable conversation. Can you tell us what prompted you to come forward now about the allegations against Bruno Vandelli?
Yanis Marshall (Y): Thank you for having me. It’s been a lifelong struggle to carry the weight of my experiences from when I was 14. I reached a point where I realized that staying silent wasn’t helping me, nor those who might be going through similar situations. I wanted to share my story to raise awareness and encourage others to speak out.
E: Your Instagram post was powerful and deeply emotional. Can you share how those years of trauma impacted your life and career as a dancer?
Y: It had a profound effect on my self-esteem and mental health. For years, I felt haunted by the memories and the shame that was wrongly placed on me. It interfered with my creativity and relationships. Dancing is my passion, and I struggled to express myself fully because of the darkness that loomed over me. Speaking out has been a part of my healing process.
E: You’ve chosen to speak out in a very public way, which many find inspiring. What message do you hope to convey to others who might be in similar situations?
Y: I want people to know they are not alone, and they have the right to reclaim their voice and power. It’s important to break the stigma around speaking out. The more we share our stories, the more we build a community of support. No one should feel unheard or unworthy of justice.
E: The case is still unfolding, and Bruno Vandelli has not yet been found guilty. How do you handle public scrutiny and the presumption of innocence that comes with your allegations?
Y: That’s a challenging aspect. It’s important to remember that everyone is entitled to their day in court, and the judicial process must be respected. However, it’s also crucial that we don’t silence or dismiss the experiences of survivors. My truth deserves to be heard, and it doesn’t negate the legal process.
E: Moving forward, how do you envision your role in the dance community, especially after such a significant revelation?
Y: I see my role as both an advocate and an artist. I want to use my platform to promote awareness and discussions around such delicate topics while continuing to inspire others through my dance. I hope to create safe spaces within the community where open dialogue is welcome and where we can have a positive impact.
E: Thank you for sharing your story, Yanis. It’s clear that you’re not just a talented choreographer but also a courageous advocate for change. We wish you all the best as you continue to heal and fight for justice.
Y: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey and raise awareness. Let’s keep the conversation going.