Jean-Luc Lahaye: Paris Court of Appeal confirms his indictment for rape of minors

This Thursday, October 10, the Paris Court of Appeal confirmed Jean-Luc Lahaye’s indictment for rape, according to a judicial source relayed by H24 NEWS. The 71-year-old singer has been accused since November 2021 of sexually abusing two teenage girls aged 16 and 17. He had requested that these charges be dropped, citing the consensual nature of the relationships, particularly in the case of one of the complainants, but this request was rejected.

Jean-Luc Lahaye hoped to benefit from the more favorable status of assisted witness, claiming that one of the young women, nicknamed *Roxane*, had lied about several aspects. After a first rejection by the examining magistrate, he suffered another setback before the magistrates of the Investigating Chamber of the Paris Court of Appeal, who decided to maintain his indictment.

Contrasting reactions from lawyers

Jean-Luc Lahaye’s lawyers, Mes Sophie Obadia and Bertrand Burman, expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision: “We hope that the examining magistrate will adopt an impartial position, taking into consideration the numerous testimonies of women in favor of Jean-Luc Lahaye, which have never been taken into account until now.” They added that the singer, who has not been allowed to perform on stage since his indictment, should be able to resume his career.

For her part, Nathalie Bucquet, lawyer for one of the plaintiffs, welcomed the decision with relief: “My client is satisfied with this confirmation and hopes that the investigation will soon come to an end.”

A shocking fall for an 80s star

Jean-Luc Lahaye, once an icon of 80s French chanson, is facing serious charges. The complainants, born in 1998 and 2000 respectively, allege that the events took place when they were minors, starting in 2013. The singer, who was indicted on November 5, 2021 for “rape and sexual assault of minors over the age of 15”, firmly denies the charges against him.

Continuing legal proceedings

This confirmation of the indictment marks a new stage in the case, but in no way prejudges the final verdict. The investigation is continuing, and it is now up to the judges to determine the judicial follow-up to this complex and sensitive case, which is attracting a great deal of media attention.