Current:Home > BackA top French TV personality receives a preliminary charge of rape and abusing authority-InfoLens
A top French TV personality receives a preliminary charge of rape and abusing authority
View Date:2024-12-23 15:17:26
PARIS (AP) — France’s most famous TV presenter has been handed a preliminary charge of rape by a person abusing his authority as authorities investigate complaints by about 20 women who have accused him of sexual misconduct over decades.
Patrick Poivre d’Arvor denies wrongdoing, and has sued 16 of his accusers. A revered personality who hosted France’s most popular news program for more than two decades, he insists the sexual encounters were consensual.
The prosecutor’s office in the Paris suburb of Nanterre said Wednesday that Poivre d’Arvor was given preliminary charges of rape by a person abusing his authority for alleged actions dating from 2009. He was also named as an ‘’assisted witness’’ in another alleged rape from 2004.
Both incidents involved author Florence Porcel, who filed legal complaints in 2021. The Associated Press generally does not identify those who say they have been victims of sexual wrongdoing, except when they publicly identify themselves.
Under French law, preliminary charges mean magistrates have strong reason to suspect wrongdoing but allow time for further investigation before deciding whether to send a case to trial. The ‘’assisted witness’’ status also allows time for further investigation that could lead to eventual charges or to a case being dropped.
The Nanterre prosecutor’s office said it opened two preliminary investigations in 2021 into numerous accusations against Poivre d’Arvor, including Porcel’s. One investigation, involving complaints by about 20 women, was closed and the other is ongoing, the prosecutor’s office said in a statement to the AP.
Poivre d’Arvor’s lawyers said in a statement published online that he ‘’firmly contests the facts alleged by Madame Porcel, as he has since the first day, and has provided numerous elements of material evidence.’’
Lawyers Jacqueline Laffont and Julie Benedetti noted that prosecutors recommended dropping the case, but the investigating judges unusually filed the charge anyway.
Poivre d’Arvor was the star presenter of French TV network TF1’s evening newscast between 1987 and 2008, making him one of the most famous people in France, where he is widely known as just “PPDA.” An author, he also used to anchor a prestigious TV literary program.
Soon after Porcel’s complaint, Poivre d’Arvor acknowledged in an interview with TV channel TMC “small kisses in the neck, sometimes small compliments or sometimes some charm or seduction” — acts he said younger generations no longer accepted.
Dozens of women have spoken out in recent years to accuse Poivre d’Arvor of rape, sexual abuse or harassment from 1981 to 2018. Most accusations are now too old to prosecute.
Some of the women welcomed the announcement of the rape charge.
‘’Finally!’' posted author Helene Devynck, who published a book last year titled ‘’Impunity’’ that includes interviews with some 60 women who accused Poivre d’Arvor of sexual wrongdoing. Devynck’s book denounced France’s historically lax attitude toward sexual abuse allegations and the limited impact in France of the global #MeToo movement.
One of France’s biggest film stars, Gerard Depardieu, also is under renewed scrutiny for his behavior toward women after a recent documentary showed him repeatedly making obscene remarks and gestures during a 2018 trip to North Korea.
Depardieu was handed preliminary charges of rape and sexual assault in 2020. The France-2 documentary says 16 women have accused him of harassing, groping or sexually assaulting them. Depardieu denies wrongdoing.
veryGood! (96741)
Related
- NFL playoff picture Week 10: Lions stay out in front of loaded NFC field
- These Storage Solutions for Small Spaces Are Total Gamechangers
- Coronavirus FAQ: Are we in a surge? How do you cope if your whole family catches it?
- Browns QB Joe Flacco unravels in NFL playoff rout as Texans return two interceptions for TDs
- Megan Fox Is Pregnant, Expecting Baby With Machine Gun Kelly
- NFL schedule today: Everything to know about playoff games on Jan. 14
- Get ready for transparent TV: Tech giants show off 'glass-like' television screens at CES
- Leon Wildes, immigration lawyer who fought to prevent John Lennon’s deportation, dead at age 90
- Catholic bishops urged to boldly share church teachings — even unpopular ones
- In Ecuador, the global reach of Mexico’s warring drug cartels fuels a national crisis
Ranking
- Quincy Jones' cause of death revealed: Reports
- The ruling-party candidate strongly opposed by China wins Taiwan’s presidential election
- Ranking the 6 worst youth sports parents. Misbehaving is commonplace on these sidelines
- Dog rescued after surviving 60-foot fall from Michigan cliff and spending night alone on Lake Superior shoreline
- Waymo’s robotaxis now open to anyone who wants a driverless ride in Los Angeles
- Wildfire prevention and helping Maui recover from flames top the agenda for Hawaii lawmakers
- French Foreign Minister visits Kyiv and pledges solidarity as Russia launches attacks
- Mia Goth sued by 'MaXXXine' background actor for battery, accused of kicking his head: Reports
Recommendation
-
At age 44, Rich Hill's baseball odyssey continues - now with Team USA
-
Texas congressman says migrants drowned near area where US Border Patrol had access restricted
-
Denmark to proclaim a new king as Queen Margrethe signs historic abdication
-
Margaritaville license plates, Jimmy Buffett highway proposed to honor late Florida singer
-
At age 44, Rich Hill's baseball odyssey continues - now with Team USA
-
Patrick Mahomes leads Chiefs to 26-7 playoff win over Miami in near-record low temps
-
Thousands at Saturday 'March for Gaza' in Washington DC call for Israel-Hamas cease-fire
-
Who is Kalen DeBoer, Nick Saban's successor at Alabama? Here's what to know